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Understanding conviviality in Australian suburbs with high Muslim concentrations: A qualitative case study in Melbourne

journal contribution
posted on 2023-10-02, 22:34 authored by K Dekker, Ashleigh Haw
AbstractThis article explores the concept of conviviality: the practice and negotiation of sharing space in suburbs with diverse populations (Journal of Intercultural Studies, 2016, 37, 423). Australia has a growing Muslim population and reports of Islamophobia remain widespread. While there is some evidence, however, that forming intercultural connections can foster more positive attitudes toward religious minority groups, we know little about how Muslim and non‐Muslim communities share space in Australia. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative investigation into how conviviality is perceived in Australian suburbs with high concentrations of Muslim residents. Following qualitative, thematic analysis of 15 interviews with multicultural service providers who work with Muslims in Melbourne, Victoria, we conclude that conviviality is fostered by a sense of community between people who share similar backgrounds as well as increased opportunities to form intercultural social connections. We discuss the scholarly and policy implications of these findings, with consideration of existing arguments about the practices of sharing space in Australian cities.

History

Journal

Australian Journal of Social Issues

Pagination

1-14

Location

London, Eng.

ISSN

0157-6321

eISSN

1839-4655

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Publisher

Wiley