Female Muslim Tourism and Familial Caretaking: Intersection of Gender and Religion

Underpinned by intersectionality theory, this study deciphered female Muslims’ tourism experiences associated with the gendered practice of familial caretaking, which was amplified by Islamic cultural practices of huqooq-ul-ibaad representing collectivist welfare; males’ qawamum role as financial maintainer socializing females into caretaker and virtue ethics of akhlaaq, reinforcing feminist care ethics. Religion influences ambivalent discourses of caretaking and tourism, involving positive and negative experiences of separateness and togetherness with family. Traditionally, familial caretaking is prioritized over tourism, while contemporary familial caretaking is executed through tourism (i.e., regular caretaking; tourism as a form of familial care). Contemporary female Muslims are empowered through tourism to focus on self-care and gender equality in caretaking, which also emphasizes alternative Islamic perspectives (e.g., Rabbatul-bait positioning as queen of the house, unlike subordination). This study unveiled cultural similarities and differences in female Muslims from a religious-minority context. Tourism stakeholders are encouraged to accommodate cultural diversities and address caretaking constraints.