Muslim minorities in Canada and France
The 'Reception and integration of Muslims in France, Quebec and English Canada' (MUSLIMFRANCECANADA) project took an interdisciplinary approach and examined both quantitative and qualitative data. Its theoretical framework considered four sets of factors: minority characteristics, mainstream attitudes and debates, institutional structures and public policies. Project work involved a review of related research, consulting with scholars in each setting, data analysis and interpretation of results, focus group studies and results analysis, research reports and papers and a conference. MUSLIMFRANCECANADA has prepared a 10-chapter book outline. Quantitative data analysis for six of the chapters has been completed and work on the seventh chapter is ongoing. For four chapters, comparison and analyses of two major data sets are nearing completion. Paris researchers went on two working trips in Toronto. For Canada, France and Quebec (and eight other major immigration nations) analysis of World Values Surveys and ISSP surveys has been completed. This work constitutes the basis for one of the book chapters. Project partners are also finalising an analysis of mental health medical surveys for Canada, France and Quebec. Data analysis related to minority attitudes and perceptions has commenced for the same three settings. Focus group studies included 18 interviews and were conducted in Paris with members of Muslim minorities. This task sought to highlight comparisons with Canada and Quebec. Two group discussions have been conducted to study conflict over religious expression; the project has completed a preliminary analysis of these results. Three international workshops have been planned to provide feedback on the research. The results are expected to be published in an edited book relevant to comparative research on the integration of Muslim immigrants in different settings. The comparative study helps illuminate important issues, contributing to contemporary debates on immigration and multiculturalism. These issues include the role of public attitudes, national integration 'models' and advantages of traditional nations of immigration over recent European experiences, and language and culture.
Keywords
Muslim minorities, integration, minority attitudes, immigration, multiculturalism
