Radicalization: Exploring the Impact of Resentment
Spawning Hate: How Discrimination Fuels Radicalization Among Muslims in Germany
Digging deep into the roots of violent extremism, a research team from the University of Münster spent four years investigating the role of discrimination and limited social participation among Muslims in Germany. Their findings reveal a concerning connection between such prejudices and the radicalization of certain individuals.
Approximately 20% of the 1,900 Muslim respondents in Germany participating in the study feel this prejudice. However, it's essential to note that this doesn't directly cause extremism, as stated by the research team led by Prof. Mouhanad Khorchide from the Center for Islamic Theology (ZIT) and sociologist Prof. Detlef Pollack.
"Not every radical feels a prejudice – and not every person with a prejudice must radicalize."
The Peril of Prejudice
Their study shows that such feelings increase susceptibility to Islamist rhetoric targeting individuals who have experienced discrimination and exclusion – a recipe for mobilizing against German society. Prejudice was defined as a persistent feeling of discrimination that undermines positive experiences and fosters a one-sided negative worldview.
"A positive self-image is often only possible through the devaluation of others." - Detlef Pollack
This attitude often comes hand-in-hand with resentment, lack of self-criticism, and low learning readiness.
A Mixed Bag of Reactions
The study was based on both quantitative and qualitative surveys. Between July 2023 and April 2024, the Institute for Applied Social Sciences (infas) surveyed 1,900 Muslims with a migrant background aged 18 and older on behalf of the university. Respondents were presented with statements such as, "Values like mine are becoming increasingly unimportant" or "The West is to blame for many Islamic countries not doing well."
More than 160 guided interviews were also conducted with individuals from Turkish and Arabic backgrounds. The results unveiled a patchwork of reactions to experiences of discrimination. Many reacted differently depending on the personal nature of the discrimination. However, blanket denigrations of Islam often triggered prejudices. Those with minimal contact with non-Muslims and fundamentalist religious beliefs displayed the highest susceptibility.
Breaking the Cycle of Resentment
Based on their findings, Prof. Khorchide calls for targeted measures to help strengthen Muslims' sense of belonging in German society. Suggestions include expanding Islamic religious education in schools or promoting constructive stories about living together in a pluralistic society through social media initiatives. Mosque communities are urged to make the positive experiences of Muslims in Germany more visible.
The complete study is set to be published in August 2025 by Springer Verlag, having been funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research under the funding line "Societal Causes and Effects of Radical Islam in Germany and Europe."
[1] Conducting nationwide surveys among Muslim communities to understand discriminatory experiences[2] Quantitative and qualitative analysis of feelings of discrimination and exclusion among respondents[3] Investigating potential links between prejudice and radicalization among individuals in Germany[4] Identifying effective strategies for addressing social exclusion and fostering social inclusion in Muslim communities
This research builds on existing work regarding the impact of discrimination and social exclusion on psychological well-being and political attitudes among minority populations, highlighting the importance of addressing such issues to promote social cohesion and prevent radicalization.
- The research by the University of Münster reveals that feelings of discrimination can increase susceptibility to Islamist rhetoric among individuals who have experienced exclusion, which can foster a negative worldview and potentially contribute to radicalization among some Muslims in Germany.
- In addition to exploring the connection between prejudice and radicalization, this study also underscores the importance of addressing discrimination and social exclusion in Muslim communities as it relates to mental health and well-being, noting its potential links to psychological well-being and political attitudes among minority populations, thus highlighting the significance of promoting social cohesion.
