Source: The Guardian
Despite rising fears of western hostility toward Muslims, new research shows British liberal views have strengthened since last month’s events in France
Last month’s terrorist attacks in Paris did not lead to a rise in anti-Muslim sentiment in Britain, a new study has shown.
The new research, conducted by Rob Ford and Maria Sobolewska of theUniversity of Manchester, comes amid growing concerns about western hostility to Muslims after the Front National’s strong performance in regional elections in France and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s call for a ban on Muslim immigration to the US.
The academics asked the same questions both before and after the Paris attackson 13 November. Before Paris, 33% of respondents agreed that ‘Muslims have a lot to offer British culture’, compared to 35% who disagreed. After Paris the proportion who disagreed remained the same, but an additional 2% agreed with the statement.
A similar modest increase in the proportion of tolerant respondents was shown in the responses to the statement ‘Muslims in Britain have respect for the way of life of others’. Before Paris, 23% of respondents agreed with that statement, compared to a far larger 53% who disagreed. After the Paris attacks, the positive proportion increased to 27%, whereas the proportion disagreeing declined to 51%.
The greatest change was witnessed when respondents were asked whether they felt London was better or worse off due to its ethnic and religious diversity. Pre-Paris, 40% felt the capital was better off or much better off for its diversity, whereas 32% thought it was worse off or much worse off.
Tower Bridge, London
Categories: Anti-Islam Attitude, Attitude, Europe, ISLAMOPHOBIA, The Muslim Times, UK