Books by Asma Mustafa
The integration of British born young Muslims into wider society is one of the most topical issue... more 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.
Book Chapters by Asma Mustafa
Mustafa, A. (2016) ‘Religious values and political motivation among young British Muslims’ in ‘Yo... more Mustafa, A. (2016) ‘Religious values and political motivation among young British Muslims’ in ‘Young British Muslims: Between Rhetoric and Realities’ Sadek Hamid (ed.) Routledge.
in “Muslims and Political Participation in Britain” (2015) T. Peace (ed.) Routledge.
The growing... more in “Muslims and Political Participation in Britain” (2015) T. Peace (ed.) Routledge.
The growing concern about the influence of religious ideology on the political perspectives and practices of British Muslims has focused on the assumption that all Muslims follow and agree on the role of Islam in politics. Among other things, this supposition holds foreign policy as crucial to all Muslims; accuses Muslims of allegiance to their religion over their nation-state; and presumes the majority of Muslims believe in political violence as a means of gaining political goals and consequently it treats as questionable any form of political activism by young Muslims. Notwithstanding that, the previous decade has seen attempts by Muslims to defend their religion and religious identity against radical elements and their extremist political agenda. This chapter analyses the perception of young second generation British Muslims regarding political violence, foreign policy, citizenship and political engagement. The chapter highlights the diversity in religious interpretation of the ‘political’; of variations in attitudes towards political violence and a progressive and varying degree of understanding of the role that Islam plays in politics. This does not undermine research on Muslim political participation, but emphasises the diversity in interpretation, attitudes and action among them.
Mustafa, A. (2015) ‘United Kingdom’ in ‘Yearbook of Muslims in Europe: Volume 8’ Oliver Scharbrod... more Mustafa, A. (2015) ‘United Kingdom’ in ‘Yearbook of Muslims in Europe: Volume 8’ Oliver Scharbrodt, Samim Akgönül, Ahmet Alibai, Jørgen Nielsen, Egdunas Racius (ed.) Brill.
The Yearbook of Muslims in Europe is an essential resource for analysis of Europe's dynamic Muslim populations. Featuring up-to-date research from forty-six European countries, the reports provide cumulative knowledge of on-going trends and developments around Muslims in different European countries. In addition to offering a relevant framework for original research, the Yearbook of Muslims in Europe provides an invaluable source of reference for government and NGO officials, journalists, policy-makers, and related research institutions.
Reports by Asma Mustafa
Given the low representation of British Muslims in the Armed Forces (Muslims make up 0.4% of the ... more Given the low representation of British Muslims in the Armed Forces (Muslims make up 0.4% of the UK regular forces, compared to 5% in wider British society), a career sector that is keen to increase its personnel diversity, and the higher unemployment levels experienced by British Muslims, how can we better understand and resolve the recruitment gap?
In this report, research findings are presented that highlight young British Muslim attitudes towards Armed Forces careers and examine why these attitudes may exist. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions and an online survey about career decision-making aimed at young British Muslims; and supported by in-depth interviews with British Muslim Armed Forces personnel. Recommendations are made regarding widening diversity in the Armed Forces.
This report is based on a two year research project funded by the British Academy.
Co-authored with Professor Anthony Heath. In Runnymede Trust ‘Islamophobia: Still a challenge for... more Co-authored with Professor Anthony Heath. In Runnymede Trust ‘Islamophobia: Still a challenge for us all. A 20th anniversary report’
Papers by Asma Mustafa
Political Quarterly Blog: “British Muslims are still being discriminated against at work. Here’s ... more Political Quarterly Blog: “British Muslims are still being discriminated against at work. Here’s what we can do about it”
in Fieldwork in Religion (2014) 9, 2: 166-181.
This article explores the usage of the innovative... more in Fieldwork in Religion (2014) 9, 2: 166-181.
This article explores the usage of the innovative method of auto-photography in eliciting perceptions of religious identity. The article explores auto-photography as a research tool assisting in understanding religious identity and identification. Using static images in auto-photography triggers the respondents in expressing their connection to their faith. These images have a potential to generate further discussion on the subject matter of faith, religiousness and belief. Auto-photography is a helpful instrument in bridging spiritual feelings/thoughts and religiously oriented actions. It encourages respondents to express their feelings regarding faith after exploring the images taken using a camera. This article debates the use of auto-photography through the case study of young Muslims in Britain. Based on this research project, the auto-photography method will be analysed as a research tool, revealing its usefulness in exploring faith matters and the challenges of using this method.
Book Reviews by Asma Mustafa
Conference Presentations by Asma Mustafa
presented at the international conference ‘Migration in a turbulent world’ 26-28 November 2016 - ... more presented at the international conference ‘Migration in a turbulent world’ 26-28 November 2016 - Doha, Qatar
presented at ‘European attitudes to Immigration’ British Academy conference, London, UK on 16 & 1... more presented at ‘European attitudes to Immigration’ British Academy conference, London, UK on 16 & 17 November 2016.
presented at ‘Methods on the Move’ advanced postgraduate research methods school, The Open Univer... more presented at ‘Methods on the Move’ advanced postgraduate research methods school, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK, November 2015.
paper presented at conference ‘Youth in the contemporary Muslim world’ at Pardee School of Global... more paper presented at conference ‘Youth in the contemporary Muslim world’ at Pardee School of Global Studies, Boston University, USA, April 8-9, 2015.
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Books by Asma Mustafa
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.
Book Chapters by Asma Mustafa
The growing concern about the influence of religious ideology on the political perspectives and practices of British Muslims has focused on the assumption that all Muslims follow and agree on the role of Islam in politics. Among other things, this supposition holds foreign policy as crucial to all Muslims; accuses Muslims of allegiance to their religion over their nation-state; and presumes the majority of Muslims believe in political violence as a means of gaining political goals and consequently it treats as questionable any form of political activism by young Muslims. Notwithstanding that, the previous decade has seen attempts by Muslims to defend their religion and religious identity against radical elements and their extremist political agenda. This chapter analyses the perception of young second generation British Muslims regarding political violence, foreign policy, citizenship and political engagement. The chapter highlights the diversity in religious interpretation of the ‘political’; of variations in attitudes towards political violence and a progressive and varying degree of understanding of the role that Islam plays in politics. This does not undermine research on Muslim political participation, but emphasises the diversity in interpretation, attitudes and action among them.
The Yearbook of Muslims in Europe is an essential resource for analysis of Europe's dynamic Muslim populations. Featuring up-to-date research from forty-six European countries, the reports provide cumulative knowledge of on-going trends and developments around Muslims in different European countries. In addition to offering a relevant framework for original research, the Yearbook of Muslims in Europe provides an invaluable source of reference for government and NGO officials, journalists, policy-makers, and related research institutions.
Reports by Asma Mustafa
In this report, research findings are presented that highlight young British Muslim attitudes towards Armed Forces careers and examine why these attitudes may exist. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions and an online survey about career decision-making aimed at young British Muslims; and supported by in-depth interviews with British Muslim Armed Forces personnel. Recommendations are made regarding widening diversity in the Armed Forces.
This report is based on a two year research project funded by the British Academy.
Papers by Asma Mustafa
This article explores the usage of the innovative method of auto-photography in eliciting perceptions of religious identity. The article explores auto-photography as a research tool assisting in understanding religious identity and identification. Using static images in auto-photography triggers the respondents in expressing their connection to their faith. These images have a potential to generate further discussion on the subject matter of faith, religiousness and belief. Auto-photography is a helpful instrument in bridging spiritual feelings/thoughts and religiously oriented actions. It encourages respondents to express their feelings regarding faith after exploring the images taken using a camera. This article debates the use of auto-photography through the case study of young Muslims in Britain. Based on this research project, the auto-photography method will be analysed as a research tool, revealing its usefulness in exploring faith matters and the challenges of using this method.
Book Reviews by Asma Mustafa
Conference Presentations by Asma Mustafa
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.
The growing concern about the influence of religious ideology on the political perspectives and practices of British Muslims has focused on the assumption that all Muslims follow and agree on the role of Islam in politics. Among other things, this supposition holds foreign policy as crucial to all Muslims; accuses Muslims of allegiance to their religion over their nation-state; and presumes the majority of Muslims believe in political violence as a means of gaining political goals and consequently it treats as questionable any form of political activism by young Muslims. Notwithstanding that, the previous decade has seen attempts by Muslims to defend their religion and religious identity against radical elements and their extremist political agenda. This chapter analyses the perception of young second generation British Muslims regarding political violence, foreign policy, citizenship and political engagement. The chapter highlights the diversity in religious interpretation of the ‘political’; of variations in attitudes towards political violence and a progressive and varying degree of understanding of the role that Islam plays in politics. This does not undermine research on Muslim political participation, but emphasises the diversity in interpretation, attitudes and action among them.
The Yearbook of Muslims in Europe is an essential resource for analysis of Europe's dynamic Muslim populations. Featuring up-to-date research from forty-six European countries, the reports provide cumulative knowledge of on-going trends and developments around Muslims in different European countries. In addition to offering a relevant framework for original research, the Yearbook of Muslims in Europe provides an invaluable source of reference for government and NGO officials, journalists, policy-makers, and related research institutions.
In this report, research findings are presented that highlight young British Muslim attitudes towards Armed Forces careers and examine why these attitudes may exist. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions and an online survey about career decision-making aimed at young British Muslims; and supported by in-depth interviews with British Muslim Armed Forces personnel. Recommendations are made regarding widening diversity in the Armed Forces.
This report is based on a two year research project funded by the British Academy.
This article explores the usage of the innovative method of auto-photography in eliciting perceptions of religious identity. The article explores auto-photography as a research tool assisting in understanding religious identity and identification. Using static images in auto-photography triggers the respondents in expressing their connection to their faith. These images have a potential to generate further discussion on the subject matter of faith, religiousness and belief. Auto-photography is a helpful instrument in bridging spiritual feelings/thoughts and religiously oriented actions. It encourages respondents to express their feelings regarding faith after exploring the images taken using a camera. This article debates the use of auto-photography through the case study of young Muslims in Britain. Based on this research project, the auto-photography method will be analysed as a research tool, revealing its usefulness in exploring faith matters and the challenges of using this method.