The ordinariness of Australian Muslims : attitudes and experiences of Muslims

Over the last decade there has been a rapid expansion of scholarship on the difficulties of Muslims living within western countries. On the one hand Muslims are seen as not "fitting in" and, on the other they are being prevented from belonging through mechanisms of social exclusion. This research samples at the deeper-end of disaffection and reproduces a discourse of non-integration. There is no compelling empirical evidence in Australia to support the case for widespread radicalisation (or vulnerability to it) among Muslims, nor is there evidence to suggest widespread alienation. UWS conducted a survey together with the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy to collect evidence as to whether incompatibility (radicalisation etc) and disaffection is as widespread as the research and inquiries to date infer. The project is anchored within the emerging scholarship on 'everyday multiculturalism' and 'ordinary cosmopolitanism' which emphasise the everyday unproblematic nature of most cross-cultural encounters in culturally diverse societies. Three hundred and forty five surveys were completed by ISRA volunteers at Sydney Mosques, Islamic centres, and Eid festivals in September 2011. The results show a very strong sense of belonging amongst the Australian Muslim community. There was a relatively high incidence of experiences of racism. Australian Muslims have ordinary desires and needs, ranking education and employment as the most prominent of their concerns. They feel comfortable identifying as both Australian and Muslim. The findings highlight the non-problematic and everyday nature of the lives of Australian Muslims, with the exception of their high rates if experienced racism.