Social Inclusion and Exclusion of Muslim Communities Living in the West: Australian Focus

The issue of Muslim inclusion and exclusion has underpinned the debates on how to address problems of militancy emerging in western liberal societies. The CMSS wishes to go beyond the narrow debate to explore factors that create the need and manifestation of exclusion and/or inclusion among both the majority and minority communities in western liberal societies.  With a commitment to interdisciplinary research, it is interested in conducted comparative research in the experiences of Muslims as minority communities in the west, particularly Australia.  It aims to provide a venue for exploring and promoting moderate voices in Islam and Muslim societies.

The centre has been conducting research on inclusion and exclusion of Muslims within Australia. It received a large grant for Understanding Muslim Australian Identities in 2006-2008 under the National Action Plan from Australian Federal Government through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, and the West Australian Government through the Office of Multicultural Interests. The research report by the Chief Investigator, A/ Professor Samina Yasmeen, entitled Understanding Muslim Identities in Australia: From Perceived Relative Exclusion to Inclusion was released in November 2008.

Currently, the Centre continues research on the dynamics of social inclusion and exclusion and focuses on investigating and appreciating the interplay of a range of domestic, local, national and international factors of influence in shaping the sense of identity (or identities) among Muslims in the west. The main focus of the research is Muslims living in Western Australia but the project draws upon the information and ideas developed about Muslims living in the West in general and Australia in particular. We are investigating the role of family, associations, internet, national and international developments in shaping the views of Muslim Australian citizens. We engage young second and third generation Muslim Australians, women and men of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds through qualitative interviews in helping us understand their views on being Australian citizens. We are particularly focusing on the role of perceptions, identity construction, and accessing support from governmental agencies in Australia.