Rights, social cohesion and identity: arguments for and against state‐funded Muslim schools in Britain

Abstract

The debate over the state funding of Muslim schools in Britain often appears polarised, as those on opposing sides are portrayed as holding fundamentally conflicting values and desires. In this article I challenge this position by arguing that there are some common concerns shared by those on all sides of the debate, namely rights, social cohesion and identity. Advocates and opponents of Muslim schools are united in their concern with the rights that should be afforded to religious and non‐religious groups, parents and children in multifaith Britain. Both wish to find the appropriate balance between maintaining distinct cultural communities and developing a sense of common British citizenship. They also share a desire to defend their identity and have it respected by others. This indicates that, underneath the antagonism and misunderstanding which often pervades the Muslim schools debate, there are some key desires and concerns that unite those on opposing sides. This realisation could potentially open up a space for dialogue between advocates and opponents of Muslim schools.