A comparative study on the perceptions of Dutch and British Muslim leadership regarding social-political challenges

• Date: 01 June 2023
• Pages: 1126-1140
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-07-2022-0188
• Published date: 01 June 2023
• Author: Ertuğrul Gökçekuyu

A comparative study on the

perceptions of Dutch and British

Muslim leadership regarding

social-political challenges

Ertu

grul G€

okçekuyu

Department of Political Sciences and Public Administration, Anadolu University,

Eskis

¸ehir, Turkey

Abstract

Purpose –This paper aims to analyze and compare attitudes and perceptions of Muslim leadership toward

society and politics based on their personal experiences in England and the Netherlands.

Design/methodology/approach –This study provides valuable insights into how Muslim leadership

experiences socio-political realities from own perspectives. The comparative analysis of Muslim leadership in

England and the Netherlands highlights the unique qualities of each community, while also demonstrating

shared communal awareness regarding political participation and concerns regarding the rise of Islamophobia

and populism.

Findings –The study reveals significant differences between Dutch and British Muslim leadership regarding

attitudes toward politics. While the Dutch political system enables minorities to have political parties, British

leaders prefer peaceful resistance, internal cooperation and voting power for influence. Muslim communities in

both countries face similar challenges, such as access to politics, rising Islamophobia and populism. However,

there are variations in leadership maturity and attitudes toward communal unification and political

participation.

Research limitations/implications –Especially Dutch Muslims were much more open toward cooperation

once approached. The biggest challenge was to get into the Muslim communities in England. Even though

British Muslims showed a much greater aptitude toward their civic duties, British Muslims were much more

careful and wished that interviews were written down instead of being recorded.But once the author was part

of the community, community leaders were more accepting and tolerant towards the author’s presence. From

that point on, to be recommended (snowballing) became easier.

Practical implications –This research shows clearly how different ethnic Muslim communities differ

across two different countries. Even though both countries have their own advantages and

disadvantages, understanding how civic responsibilities and the progressive development of minority

attitudes can be best approached is important to policymakers.

Social implications –One major social implication is the way minorities perceive social and political equality

and how these minority expectations can be met. Research shows that there is much fear and anxiety to

growing sentiments of populism and right-wing appraisals. For a better integration and inclusion, a sound

assessment of social and religious expectations is crucial.

Originality/value –As far as the author knows, there are no qualitative research studies that compare

Muslim minority conditions in the Netherlands and England. This research makes this even more interesting

for how to create policy that contributes to a European understanding of Muslim existence in Europe and a

common European identity. This is crucial for a more stable and stronger European future.

Keywords Muslim leadership, England, Netherlands, Political access,

Communal mobilization muslim representation, Political participation, Islamophobia, Popism

Paper type Research paper

Introduction

The Netherlands and England are home to large Muslim populations who live in their

inherent socially, culturally and politically unique diverse societies (G€

ole, 2016, p. 77). From

the early onset of migration, Muslim communities in England (Gay, 1971;Glass and Pollins,

1961) and the Netherlands (Brugman, 1970;Koningsveld, 1978) were studied from ethnic and

integrationist perspectives. The political dimension, also referred to as Muslim identity

EDI

42,8

1126

The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:

https://www.emerald.com/insight/2040-7149.htm

Received 26 July 2022

Revised 19 February 2023

6 April 2023

12 April 2023

12 April 2023

Accepted 20 April 2023

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

An International Journal

Vol. 42 No. 8, 2023

pp. 1126-1140

© Emerald Publishing Limited

2040-7149

DOI 10.1108/EDI-07-2022-0188