A study conducted in New Zealand reveals that over 85 percent of Muslims in the country believe Islamophobia is prevalent, with more than half experiencing discrimination.
Conducted in 2023, the study explored various aspects such as discrimination, exclusion, Islamophobia, heightened vigilance, social cohesion, interactions with authorities, and overall safety and wellbeing.
The majority of participants were highly educated, with 95 percent having at least a high school education and 45 percent holding master’s or PhD degrees. Participants generally had high incomes and spoke English, though the study did not capture data from those on society’s margins or non-English speakers.
The Christchurch Mosque attacks in 2019 underscored the necessity of examining Muslim experiences of discrimination and inclusion in New Zealand. This led to several meetings between the government and Muslim organizations from 2021 to 2023, culminating in the formalization of this baseline study.
Respondents primarily coped through praying harder, working harder, and seeking support within their communities. Reporting to authorities and attending counseling were less common.
Respondents suggested ways to combat Islamophobia, emphasizing personal involvement and community efforts. One participant highlighted the need for better understanding and relationships between Muslims and non-Muslims, suggesting that increased interaction from a young age could foster greater cultural understanding.
Dr. Junaid noted the respondents’ proactive approach and practical ideas for integration and acceptance. Suggestions included:
Conducted by researchers from Massey University and funded by the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) and the New Zealand Islamic Think Tank (ANZITT).
This post was last modified on July 30, 2024 8:12 pm
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