Muslim and Christian Peer Images in Turkish-German Muslim Children's Human Figure Drawings

Abstract

In this study, the religious social perceptions and friendship relations of Turkish-German
Muslim children between the ages of 7-14 about their religious groups and their host Christian
peers were examined. 42 students, including 17 girls and 25 boys, participated in the study.
Here children's drawings were benefited as a primary source of information and a diagnostic
method in which secondary information (open-ended questions) were directed. The data were
analyzed by descriptive qualitative analysis method based on the research questions. In this
study, it was seen that religious indicators, signs, and symbols (religious-social images)
emerged effectively through the drawing method. Theological semiotic may be used as a
diagnostics method in more studies in determining the development of religious concepts in
children. The number of religious differences in the drawings increased with age. It was
understood that 9-14-year-old children could make religious categorization in interviews about
drawings and responses concerning open-ended questions. In-group favoritism and in-group
friendship preferences increased with age. At the same time, as age increased, moral reasoning
in choosing friendship increased.