Religious minorities and secularism: an alternative view of the impact of religion on the political values of Muslims in Europe. Issue 2 (26th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Banfi, Elisa; Gianni, Matteo; Giugni, Marco
• Is Part Of: Journal of ethnic and migration studies. Volume 42:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 292
• Page End: 308
• Publication Date: 2016-01-26
• Subjects: Muslims -- religion -- political values -- secularism; Ethnic relations -- Periodicals; Race relations -- Periodicals; Emigration and immigration -- Periodicals; Assimilation (Sociology) -- Periodicals; 305.8005
• DOI: 10.1080/1369183X.2015.1102045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-183X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper proposes an alternative explanation of Muslims' endorsement of secular values based on their belonging to religious minorities. We argue that, contrary to what is often asserted in both the academic literature and the public debate, Muslims' endorsement of secular values is not simply a matter of strong individual religiosity, but may also result from belonging to a religious minority. We suggest that this group-level variable may explain differences in the support for democratic values by Muslims in Europe, in addition to the individual-level variable pertaining to individual religiosity. Our findings show that belonging to a religious minority in the country of origin positively affects the degree of support of secularist values. More generally, they suggest that denominational Muslim identities should be investigated by taking into account the role of belonging to religious minorities. Moreover, the article will show how belonging to a religious minority can moderate the negative effect of religiosity on secular values.