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Experiences of discrimination by Muslim Australians and protective factors for integration
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Experiences of discrimination by Muslim Australians and protective factors for integration

A. Salleh-Hoddin and A. Pedersen
The Australian Community Psychologist, Vol.24(2), pp.43-58
2012
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Abstract

Little social-psychological research has been conducted with respect to experiences of discrimination of Muslim Australians. The present study makes an important contribution to the emerging literature in the current political climate in terms of the experiences of discrimination of Muslim Australians, and how this impacts on their feelings of integration. Results indicated that reported experiences of discrimination were relatively low; however, being Middle Eastern and being visibly Muslim in particular resulted in more discrimination. When examining what predicted positive integration using relevant socio-demographic, identity and inter-personal factors, three variables were significant. Specifically, being a non-visible Muslim, having more contact with other Australians, as well as positive quality of that contact, were significant factors. A thematic analysis of qualitative data indicated three major themes: the existence of prejudice, the role of the media in prejudice, and issues within the Muslim community. To conclude, while Muslim Australians still face discrimination, especially those who do not look explicitly “white Christian”, there are protective factors which often override these experiences in terms of affecting feelings of integration.

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