Despite its obvious importance, the relationship between globalization, migration and religion is a fairly neglected phenomenon in scientific research.
The religion of Islam is amongst the world religions to be hit the hardest by globalization processes. At the same time, more radical forms of Islam, in the shape of fundamentalism, seem to gain more and more influence in the West as well as in the Arabic world.
In Great Britain, migration movements after World War II proved that Muslims are still not integrated in British society. Most Muslims still ask themselves the question 'Are we Muslims in Britain or are we British Muslims?'
This dilemma increased after 9/11 and 2005 and opened the doors for the radical ideas simply because Islam serves well to provide identity in a diaspora situation.
This essay tries to show how globalization, migration and Islam are interwoven and in how far British society is threatened by fundamentalism which still hinders a dialogue on both sides.
Table of Contents
1. Preface
2.1 Globalization, Migration and the Function of Religion
2.2 Immigration, Politics and Religion in Past and Present
2.3 Modern British Society under the Focus of Islam
2.4 Conclusion: Muslims in the Focus of Race Relations
3. Outlook
4. Bibliography
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This work examines the complex interplay between globalization, migration, and the role of religion, with a specific focus on the integration and radicalization of Muslim communities within modern British society. It seeks to understand why, despite historical precedents for migration, the contemporary presence of Islam in the West often leads to separation, identity conflicts, and fundamentalist developments, questioning whether British policy has failed to foster a truly cohesive multicultural society.
- The relationship between globalization, migration, and religious identity.
- Historical and contemporary migration policies in Great Britain.
- The role of Islam as an identity marker in a modern, Western secular context.
- The radicalization of Muslim minority groups and the failure of integration efforts.
- The necessity of an open, honest dialogue to avoid societal conflicts.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Globalization, Migration and the Function of Religion
Modern migration which has become an international phenomenon is often considered to be the result of what has to be understood by another development shaping the world of the 21st century – globalization. Globalization is above all an economical movement, which causes gaps between countries, continents, cultures and religions. It divides more than it combines. There is a connection between globalization and migration, yet it would be wrong to confine this affinity to our time. Migration in the widest sense implies several levels which depend on one another.
It is thus necessary to have a closer look at the term itself and its relationship to religion. A final step will be an analysis of migration to Europe. Great Britain is here of particular interest since Muslim migration is responsible for many changes in British society and above all for the literary reflection of the novels presented here. Migration, globalization and the notion of a multicultural society are often used as catch phrases in today’s socio-political discussions.
The term migration, which has reached a new and outstanding position in connection to what has to be understood by globalization is no invention of modern times. Individual human beings, groups of people and whole nations have migrated since mankind`s early history. Migrational movements played a central role in the colonization of whole continents (USA/Latin America etc.) and they were responsible for central events of man`s civilization.
Summary of Chapters
1. Preface: This introductory section outlines the fundamental triangle of globalization, migration, and religion, arguing that these factors profoundly affect modern notions of humanity and integration.
2.1 Globalization, Migration and the Function of Religion: This chapter defines migration as an international phenomenon linked to economic globalization, highlighting the resulting gaps between cultures and the specific importance of Great Britain in this context.
2.2 Immigration, Politics and Religion in Past and Present: The chapter explores the evolution of British immigration laws and the historical shift from the concept of "civis Britannicus sum" to restrictive measures, while addressing the underlying issues of racism and colonialism.
2.3 Modern British Society under the Focus of Islam: This section investigates the social level of Muslim migration in Britain, analyzing the factors contributing to the failure of integration and the rise of radical Islamic identity among the second and third generations.
2.4 Conclusion: Muslims in the Focus of Race Relations: The conclusion summarizes the failure of immigration politics in Britain, pointing to a rigid separation between Muslim communities and mainstream society and emphasizing the need for honest, individual-level dialogue.
3. Outlook: This final chapter reiterates that the path toward integration is a painful, long-term process that requires both governments and individuals to move past fundamentalist identities in favor of mutual dialogue.
4. Bibliography: A comprehensive list of primary and secondary sources, including books, journals, reports, and newspaper articles, used to inform the analysis.
Keywords
Globalization, Migration, Islam, Great Britain, Integration, Fundamentalism, Multiculturalism, Race Relations, Identity, Religion, Colonialism, Radicalization, Assimilation, Dialogue, Social Conflict
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this work?
The book analyzes the intersection of globalization, migration, and religion, specifically focusing on the challenges of integrating Muslim communities into British society.
What are the primary themes explored?
Key themes include the impact of globalization on migratory movements, the failure of multicultural policies in Britain, the rise of religious fundamentalism, and the necessity for a genuine dialogue between Islam and the West.
What is the core research question?
The work explores why Muslim migration to Britain has led to social separation and radicalization, questioning the effectiveness of state integration policies and the role of religious identity in modern Britain.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses a sociopolitical and historical approach, analyzing sociological studies, migration statistics, legislative documents, and public discourse to provide a multifaceted examination of the topic.
What is the main subject of the main body chapters?
The main chapters detail the historical development of British immigration, the role of religion as an identity marker for migrants, the failure of past integration efforts, and the specific impact of Islamic fundamentalism.
Which keywords define this work?
Central keywords include globalization, migration, Islam, integration, multiculturalism, identity, and race relations.
How does the author characterize the role of religion in migration?
The author argues that in the context of globalization, migrants often hold onto their religion as a "resistance identity" or a means of preserving a link to their origin, which can sometimes contradict integration into secular Western societies.
What is the significance of the distinction between "Muslims in Britain" and "British Muslims"?
This phrasing encapsulates the identity crisis facing younger generations who struggle to find their place within both their inherited community and a wider Western society that often perceives them as outsiders.
- Citation du texte
- Matthias Dickert (Auteur), 2014, British Muslims under the Influence of Globalization and Migration, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/274121
