Islamophobia in Social Prejudice Perspective

Abstract

This article aims to discuss the phenomenon of Islamophobia occurring worldwide, including in Indonesia, from the perspective of social prejudice theory. The results of the latest survey by the Pew Research Centre in March 2021 found Islam to be the fastest-growing religion in the world. Still, at the same time, it was stated that Muslims face more discrimination than other religious groups. This article explores the concept of Islamophobia, empirical documentation of anti-Muslim prejudice globally and in Indonesia, the theoretical foundations of social prejudice, as well as the perspectives of threat theory and social categorization theory about Islamophobia. The analysis concludes that the precursors of Islamophobia in the West likely emerge as a result of socio-cultural symbolic threats to the homogenous culture of Western societies. Historical dimensions are linked to the lingering embers of the Crusades in contemporary times. Additionally, the social identification of “us” versus “them,” openly campaigned by the United States post 9/11 attacks, implies that outgroups are not only associated with terrorist groups but also extend to the broader Arab race. In Indonesia, Islamophobia emerges from internal stereotypes present within the Muslim community, alongside discriminatory behaviors and disparaging comments originating from external entities or public figures.