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| Open Access | ISLAMOPHOBIA AND STATE INTEGRATIONISM: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF AUSTRALIA'S MULTICULTURAL BACKLASH
Millie Barnes , Lecturer in Politics & International Relations, Lancaster University, United KingdomAbstract
This paper critically examines the rise of Islamophobia in Australia in relation to the country's retreat from multiculturalism and the shift towards a more integrationist state approach. Over the past few decades, Australia has seen significant demographic diversification, yet policy and public discourse have increasingly moved towards assimilationist ideologies that challenge the country’s traditional commitment to multiculturalism. This study explores how Islamophobic rhetoric, amplified in political and media discourse, has contributed to the state's new integrationist strategies, framing Islam and Muslims as distinct and incompatible with national values. By analyzing legislative changes, political speeches, media representations, and public attitudes, the paper reveals how Islamophobia is embedded within broader societal debates about national identity, social cohesion, and the role of immigration. This paper argues that the state's retreat from multiculturalism, coupled with the institutionalization of Islamophobia, reflects a broader global trend of increasing xenophobia and exclusion. The study also critiques the implications of these shifts on social justice, community cohesion, and the prospects for inclusive citizenship in Australia.
Keywords
Australia, Islamophobia, Multiculturalism
References
Jakubowicz, A. (2013). Multiculturalism and the Politics of Identity in Contemporary Australia. Palgrave Macmillan.
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Poynting, S., & Perry, B. (2007). Climates of Prejudice: Essays on Islamophobia in Australia. University of Western Sydney Press.
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Rane, H., & Ewart, J. (2017). "The Politics of Islamophobia in Australia: The Role of the Media and Political Leaders." International Journal of Cultural Studies, 20(1), 47-63.
Phillips, M. (2011). "The Integration of Muslim Immigrants: Challenges and Policies in Australia." Australian & New Zealand Journal of Sociology, 47(4), 478-495.
Australian Human Rights Commission (2016). The Freedom to Be: National Consultation on the Impact of Anti-Terrorism Laws on Muslim Australians.
Department of Immigration and Border Protection (2017). Australian Multicultural Statement 2017. Australian Government.
Simpson, M. (2014). "Australia’s Islamophobia Problem: How the Media Fuels Fear." The Guardian.
Parliament of Australia (2019). Inquiry into the Impact of Islamophobia on Australian Society.
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