Abstract of

Punjabi Sikh Women and Education

by

Sarbjit Nahal

Spring 2006

California State University, Sacramento

Statement of the Problem

In the past Punjabi Sikh women have been given little opportunity to pursue their education and career goals. Women were not encouraged to further their education for fear of losing their culture. The purpose of this study is to bridge the gap between the Punjabi culture and the American culture so that Punjabi women are able to pursue the education and career they desire.

Sources of Data

Data was collected through personal interviews from ten Punjabi Sikh females. Subjects were given two questionnaires. One asked background information and was given prior to the interview. The other was given during the face-to-face interview where subjects were tape-recorded. The questions were developed in order to lead into discussions about gender, education and culture. Interviews and questionnaires were evaluated analyzing common themes among the data.

Conclusions Reached

This study finds a conflict between the Punjabi Sikh culture and the dominant American culture. This conflict affects Punjabi Sikh women in the education process. Educators and members of the Sikh community must work together in order to meet the needs of the these young women.