Understanding conviviality in Australian suburbs with high Muslim concentrations: A qualitative case study in Melbourne

Abstract

This article explores the concept of conviviality: the practice and negotiation of sharing space in suburbs with diverse populations (Journal of Intercultural Studies, 2016, 37, 423). Australia has a growing Muslim population and reports of Islamophobia remain widespread. While there is some evidence, however, that forming intercultural connections can foster more positive attitudes toward religious minority groups, we know little about how Muslim and non‐Muslim communities share space in Australia. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative investigation into how conviviality is perceived in Australian suburbs with high concentrations of Muslim residents. Following qualitative, thematic analysis of 15 interviews with multicultural service providers who work with Muslims in Melbourne, Victoria, we conclude that conviviality is fostered by a sense of community between people who share similar backgrounds as well as increased opportunities to form intercultural social connections. We discuss the scholarly and policy implications of these findings, with consideration of existing arguments about the practices of sharing space in Australian cities.

Power Dynamics in Collaborative Governance Processes: A Case Study of a Disadvantaged Neighbourhood in Southern Spain

“…This has facilitated the application of thematic analysis during the examination of the data, which allows for the identification, organisation, description, and analysis of the issues identified in the dataset [61,62]. This methodology is commonly used in case studies [20,21,63].…”

“…In line with it, numerous studies about collaborative governance have been conducted in recent years [13,[19][20][21][22], highlighting their democratic and power-sharing nature [9,22]. Urban studies, such as those developed by Kamruzaman and others [23] and Amini Pishro and colleagues [24], have highlighted how mobility impacts communities and how approaches such as Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) offer strategies to overcome risks such as the displacement of communities [25], addressing governance challenges [26], influencing urban design for inclusion [27], and promoting the use of sustainable transport [28].…”