A part, not apart. Integration and belonging: Muslims in Northern Ireland

Abstract

Historically, Northern Ireland (NI) has grappled with sectarian divisions, inadvertently sidelining minority groups. In recent years the Muslim population in NI has undergone a period of rapid transformation with an influx of Muslim Syrian refugees and other minority groups. This shift not only substantially increased the Muslim population but also diversified its socio-economic and ethnic composition, introducing new language, cultural, and religious diversity. This research explores the changing demographic landscape of the Muslim community in NI and the impact of the demographic change son the existing Muslim population. It challenges the conventional one-dimensional portrayal of Muslims as only a migrant community by highlighting the diverse identities and levels of belonging within the Muslim population, including second-generation individuals who have integrated elements of their heritage, Islam, and British/Irish culture into their identities.

Muslims have built strong networks across and within the Muslim community and broader society. Most identify strongly with their religion and are often politically active. In recognising the multi-faceted experiences of Muslim individuals in NI this research also highlights the under-researched area of Islamophobia, discrimination, and underemployment as challenges faced by Muslims in NI.

The research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the experiences and identities of Muslims in post-conflict NI. Not only their resilience and contributions but, also underscores that the Muslim population in NI is not a homogenous entity, but rather is comprised of people from various backgrounds, identities, and experiences, reinforcing the importance of adopting an intersectional approach to any discussion or consideration of the Muslim population of NI due to this internal diversity

Date of Award	May 2024
Original language	English
Sponsors	Department for the Economy
Supervisor	Goretti Horgan (Supervisor) & Rosemary Moreland (Supervisor)