Date of Award
2020
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Master of Criminal Justice by Research
School
School of Arts and Humanities
First Supervisor
Pamela Henry
Second Supervisor
Jane Tudor-Owen
Third Supervisor
Vince Hughes
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to examine the experiences of Western Australian (WA) Muslims, within the context of the current Australian political and social climate, with a key focus on how political and social factors, and the vast introduction of Australian antiterrorism legislation, may impact them. Also explored in this inquiry, was how mainstream media and their regular portrayal of Islamic-inspired terrorist attacks, which has at times connected all Muslims to these atrocities, is creating a social division within the Australian community which is difficult to overcome.
A generic qualitative methodology was utilised to best capture the lived experiences of the participants involved in this research, which concluded that the WA Muslims interviewed had all experienced differing levels of prejudice, racism and discrimination from fellow WA residents (Non-Muslims), with a perception that western media (including social media) is largely responsible for this phenomenon.
The implications of this phenomena highlighted the need for Federal and State government to work closer with WA Muslims and to involve them more in the introduction of new anti-terrorism legislation, so that unbiased and non-discriminatory laws can be established. This thesis further highlights the need for media organisations and public figures, to accurately report on Australian Muslims and on the Islam religion itself, and not create links to Islamic-inspired atrocities occurring around Australia and the world, to all the followers of this Islamic faith.
Recommended Citation
Lehane, J. (2020). The experiences of Western Australian Muslims within the current political and social environment. Edith Cowan University. Retrieved from https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/2400
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