Supporting the democratic political organisation of Muslim immigrants: the perspective of Muslims in the Netherlands and Germany

Abstract

Using data from three survey studies, this paper examines the support for the democratic political organisation of Muslims among Muslim immigrants in the Netherlands (Studies 1, 2, and 3) and Germany (Study 3). Using a social psychological perspective, support is examined in relation to religious group identification, Muslim linked fate, perceived discrimination, fundamentalist religious belief, and host national identification. The findings in all three studies show support for the political organisation of Muslims. Furthermore, higher religious group identification and higher linked fate were associated with stronger support. More discrimination and more fundamentalist beliefs were also associated with stronger support, and part of these associations was mediated by linked fate. National identification was not associated with support for the political organisation of Muslims. Census projections for countries of the European Union indicate that there will be an increasingly diverse population in the coming years (Eurostat 2010). This raises important and urgent questions, including the question of political participation and representation. In Europe, members of immigrant-origin groups are clearly underrepresented in political institutions and this is not a simple reflection of their recent arrival, delayed acquisition of citizenship, educational qualifications, social experiences, or cultural attitudes (Bloemraad and Schönwälder 2013). This underrepresentation can be seen as a democratic deficit and could increase political alienation among immigrant-origin groups (Pantoja and Segura 2003).For strategic or principle reasons, mainstream political parties are increasingly recognising the importance to represent immigrant-origin individuals in their membership and candidacy. This can attract new voters from immigrant-origin groups and increase a party's attractiveness for previous voters (Rocha et al. 2010). In countries with a multi-party political system, immigrants and minorities also have the possibility of participating in the democratic process by organising politically along ethnic or religious lines.

Peers, Policies, and Place: The Relation Between Context and Ethnic/Racial Identity

“…The linked fate aspect of ERI is likely to translate group membership into groupbased support and collective action (Van Zomeren, Postmes, & Spears, 2008). Research has shown that higher perceptions of linked fate are associated with political participation among racial/ethnic minorities in the United States (e.g., Sanchez, 2006;Stokes-Brown, 2003) and Muslim immigrants in Western Europe (Verkuyten, 2017). This proposition has important corollary questions, such as whether different cultural groups vary in the strength of linked fate perceptions and why linked fate perceptions do or do not translate in collective action, such as among the Roma in Eastern Europe (Dimitrova et al, 2017).…”

Muslim immigrants' sense of identity and belonging in the Western world: A comprehensive review

“…A third group of studies come out with mixed results; that is, the findings of these latter studies show positive and negative indicators towards Muslim immigrants' integration into their host countries (i.e. Barclay, Ford, & Sobolewska, 2019; Choudhury & McCarthy, 2010; Crul, Schneider, & Lelie, 2012; Fleischmann & Phalet, 2017; McIntosh, 2006; Ozyurt, 2013; Sirin et al, 2008; Sirin & Fine, 2007; Verkuyten, 2016).…”

Evaluating the political organisation of Muslim citizens in the Netherlands: The role of political orientation, education and multiculturalism

“…Political participation is an important aspect of the integration of Muslim minorities into western societies, but it is often met with resistance from the majority (e.g., Bloemraad, 2013;Verkuyten, 2017). In two studies, we investigated whether the level of support for the democratic political organisation of Muslims can be explained by two important socio-cultural cleavages, namely political orientation and education (Bovens et al, 2014).…”

“…Endorsement of multiculturalism and support for Muslims' political organisation were measured on 7-point Likert scales (1 = 'totally disagree' to 7 = 'totally agree'. Support for Muslims' political organisation was assessed by three items taken from previous research (Verkuyten, 2017): 'Islam has to have its own voice in political issues, just like other religions', 'It is important for Muslims that an Islamic political party will be established in the Netherlands', and 'Muslims have to cooperate more in order to get more influence in Dutch society'. Support for multiculturalism was measured with eight items that have been previously used in the Netherlands (Verkuyten, 2006; see Appendix).…”