Religion, multiple identities, and acculturation: A study of Muslim immigrants in Belgium

Abstract

In the present study, we examined how the religiousness of European (Belgian) Muslim immigrants is related to multiple collective identities (origin, new country, European, and cosmopolitan), attachment to one (origin or new) or both cultures, and acculturation as a process realized through a variety of domains in personal and social life. Two groups were included: young Muslims born of immigration from Muslim (Mediterranean) countries and, for comparison, young non-Muslims born of immigration from other countries. In both groups, high religiousness predicted attachment to origin identity and culture; low religiousness and religious doubting predicted identification with the host country and acculturation. Interestingly, the religiousness of Muslim immigrants also predicted high identification as citizen of the world, whereas the religiousness of the other immigrants was related to low European identity. Finally, some discrepancy between claiming new identities and effectively experiencing acculturation was found. Interpretations are provided on both a general level (psychology of religion and immigration) and a contextual level (specific to Muslim Europeans).

Acculturation, Acculturative Stress, Religiosity and Psychological Adjustment among Muslim Arab American Adolescents

“…That is, Muslim Arab American adolescents who endorsed higher religiosity reported a stronger orientation to their heritage culture. Previous studies with Muslim young adults have found a positive association between intensity of faith and orientation toward their heritage culture (Saroglou & Mathijsen, 2007). Similarly, intrinsic religiosity with Islam has been found to be associated with reduced acculturation to the host culture (Friedman & Saroglou, 2010).…”

Religiosity, values, and acculturation

“…Although ethnic identity is closely related to culture maintenance, strong ethnic identification does not necessarily entail high levels of heritage culture maintenance, nor low levels of adoption (Snauwaert, Soenens, Vanbeselaere, & Boen, 2003). As religiosity is part of the heritage culture of Muslim minorities, more religious Muslims were more oriented towards maintaining the heritage culture than their less religious peers (Saroglou & Mathijsen, 2007). In addition, to the extent that religiosity increases the social and cultural distance between Muslim minorities and mainstream society, a strong religious attachment might complicate the development of a sense of belonging in acculturating adolescents.…”

Acculturation of the Muslims Settled in the West

“…High religiousness was associated with a strong connection to original identity and culture. However, these religious people had a strong civic sense, and were interested in making changes at a global level (Saroglou & Mathijsen, 2007). Religious leaders and mosques that emphasised an integrated approach were instrumental in promoting integration (Bagby, 2009).…”