U.K.: YOUNG MOSLEM MALES SEE THEIR FUTURE IN THE U.K.

Young Muslim men see their futures in UK, says study
Mike Waites

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In the study, carried out for the York-based Joseph Rowntree Foundation, arranged marriages were not universally viewed as the preferred way of choosing a partner while forced marriages were seen as un-Islamic and likely to decline with future generations.

Their faith was an important part of their lives, and they all defined themselves as Muslim, but with varying degrees of religious practice. They did not feel Islam conflicted with their sense of being British.

One of the 25 participants said he felt committed to Bradford.

He added: "Some people support a footie team – I support what's around me. Bradford's my city, Undercliffe is my own backyard. I can't see myself leaving here for anywhere else."A few expressed anxiety about what they perceived to be raised levels of prejudice against Islam following the September 11 and July 7 atrocities.

One interviewee said: "Somebody asked me – one of the passengers in the cab: 'What do you think of the bombings?' I went ballistic…I said, 'What do you want me to think? You idiot, I think exactly the same way as you do.'"

Prof Charles Husband, who co-authored the report, said: "While there was some generational continuity of cultural values and norms, significant changes also appeared to be taking place."

Pertinent Links:

1) Young Muslim men see their futures in UK, says study