Muslim Youth in Portugal. Religion and Culture, Mobility and Citizenship

Muslim Youth in Portugal. Religion and Culture, Mobility and Citizenship

This project focuses upon two distinct groups of young Sunni Muslims in Portugal (of Indian origin with parents from Mozambique and Guinea Bissau respectively). The majority of these young people, especially those among the first group, are Portuguese citizens. The New Islamic Presence in Portugal (Tiesler 2000; 2001; 2005) being first and foremost a postcolonial phenomenon, Muslims of Indian/Mozambican and Guinean background represent the majority of Portuguese Muslims. Concentrating on Muslim Youth, this research seeks to answer the question: Which role does religion play in processes of social integration (social mobility, peer-group building and everyday life convivial/socialising) amongst the "second generation" of Muslims in Portugal? Furthermore, how is religious belonging reflected in concepts and perceptions of ethnic, national or European belonging (active citizenship, socio-political engagement) among young Muslims?

Estatuto: 
Proponent entity
Financed: 
No

This project focuses upon two distinct groups of young Sunni Muslims in Portugal (of Indian origin with parents from Mozambique and Guinea Bissau respectively). The majority of these young people, especially those among the first group, are Portuguese citizens. The New Islamic Presence in Portugal (Tiesler 2000; 2001; 2005) being first and foremost a postcolonial phenomenon, Muslims of Indian/Mozambican and Guinean background represent the majority of Portuguese Muslims. Concentrating on Muslim Youth, this research seeks to answer the question: Which role does religion play in processes of social integration (social mobility, peer-group building and everyday life convivial/socialising) amongst the "second generation" of Muslims in Portugal? Furthermore, how is religious belonging reflected in concepts and perceptions of ethnic, national or European belonging (active citizenship, socio-political engagement) among young Muslims?

Objectivos: 
The main objective of the project in terms of content is certainly to provide a first study on Muslim Youth in Portugal in comparison to the non-Muslim Portuguese Youth in the context of studies about Young Muslims and Youth in Europe. It aims to qualify the role of religion and religious belonging in processes of social integration - this role often being either neglected or overemphasised - by applying innovative methods of research. <br />Work-in-progress and results will be discussed and disseminated at national and international conferences and published in different languages (English, German, and Portuguese) in collections and proposed to scientific journals of diverse areas.
Parceria: 
Unintegrated
Coordenador ICS 
Referência externa 
PROJ35/2009
Start Date: 
01/01/2007
End Date: 
31/12/2010
Duração: 
47 meses
nina.tiesler@ics.ul.pt
Closed