Challenging Radical Stigma: Expressions and Identities of Women in Veil on Instagram

Abstract

Negative stigma is still attached to veiled women in Indonesia. Efforts are being made to change this situation with the emergence of veiled individuals or communities on social media platforms, particularly Instagram. This research examines how veiled women in Indonesia use Instagram as a platform to express their identity and challenge the radical stigma often attached to their appearance. In the Indonesian social and cultural context, veiled women are often faced with negative stereotypes and prejudices that associate them with radicalism and terrorism. This study uses a qualitative approach with virtual ethnography method on Instagram posts of veiled women. The findings show that through Instagram, veiled women are able to construct alternative narratives of their identity, highlighting complex and diverse religious, cultural, and personal aspects. They utilise the visual and narrative features of Instagram to deconstruct stereotypes, showcase their daily lives, and establish solidarity with the wider community. This article argues that social media, particularly Instagram, allows stigmatised individuals to articulate their voices, contributing to a more inclusive and nuanced discussion of religious identity and expression in the digital age.