Identity and Political Participation Among Young British Muslims : Believing and Belonging

This book tackles unanswered questions on British Muslims and political participation: What makes religion a salient 'political' identity for young Muslims (over any other identity)? How do young British Muslims identify themselves and how does it relate to their political engagement? A fascinating insight into the lives of young British Muslims. The integration of British born young Muslims into wider society is one of the most topical issues challenging policy makers in modern Britain. As citizens with diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds they have aspirations, values and interests which may seem difficult to accommodate within a Western European social and political context. For an intelligent and well informed analysis of the dynamic nature of social and political integration, we need to listen to the voices of young British Muslims, males and females; and record the diversity of their experiences as citizens. Understanding their motivations and political concerns are key factors in illuminating their identity and predicting their political action. The challenge for informed policy-making is to avoid simple stereotyping of faith communities and examine more deeply the key drivers of identity formation and political engagement of young British Muslims (site de l'éditeur) Front Matter....Pages i-xvi Introduction....Pages 1-8 Setting the Scene....Pages 9-31 Theorising Identity....Pages 32-47 Identity Typology....Pages 48-85 Impetus for Engagement....Pages 86-111 Political Participation....Pages 112-123 Politically Engaged and Ready for Action....Pages 124-145 Borderline/Contextual Political Activities....Pages 146-159 Out of Favour and Other Avoided Activities....Pages 160-181 Concluding Words....Pages 182-194 Back Matter....Pages 195-218