Nonverbal islamophobic discrimination in public places: a field experimental study

• Applicant: Professor Christian von Scheve, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Empirical Social Research
• Term: Funded in 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 390018503

In the aftermath of the ISIS attacks in Paris and Berlin, anti-Muslim sentiment appears to progress not only in France and Germany, but across Europe. In this context, islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims have become pressing issues regarding social cohesion and integration. Islamophobia has mainly been studied as a discursive or attitudinal phenomenon and discrimination against Muslims is evident from self-report and experimental studies. While these studies provide valuable insights into the prevalence and socio-economic consequences of Islamophobia and discrimination, we know very little about discriminatory behavior in everyday social encounters. Discrimination, understood as differential treatment suitably explained by the target's being a member of a socially salient group (e.g. Muslims), not only includes the withholding of resources such as jobs or housing, but also comprises less direct and more subtle forms of nonverbal behavior, such as gaze and facial expressions, that may convey depreciatory messages. The proposed project therefore aims at a better understanding of islamophobic discrimination in face-to-face social interactions and its individual and social repercussions. Using a field experimental design and an established helping request paradigm in metro stations in Berlin and Paris, the project first seeks to identify patterns of nonverbal behavior that are specific to social interactions with individuals wearing attire commonly associated with Islam, such as a hijab or djellaba. Second, also using a field experimental design in public places, the project aims at establishing whether these discriminatory patterns of behavior are in fact unfavorable because they are perceived as depreciatory and conveying negative emotions, irrespective of the withholding of valued resources. The project thus adds to the existing literature in that it provides insights into the social interactive dynamics of Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims. The dissemination strategy will involve publishing technical and non technical articles, press releases to attract the attention of the media, and producing a dedicated theater piece to be performed in Paris and Berlin.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: France
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Martin Aranguren