Muslim Communities in England 1962-90

This book analyses Muslim integration into English society from the 1960sto the 1990s. The author argues that, contrary to common narratives builtaround a sudden transformation during the Rushdie affair, religiousidentity was of great importance to English Muslims throughout thisperiod. The study also considers what the experiences of Muslimcommunities tell us about British multiculturalism. With chapters which consider English Muslim experiences in education, employment, and socialservices,British multiculturalism is shown to be a capaciousartifice, variegated across and within localities and resistant toperiodization. It is understood as positing separate ethnic communities,and serving these communities with special provisions aimed ultimately atintegration. It is argued moreover to have developed its own momentum,limiting the efficacy of 21st century "backlashes" against it. Muslim Communities in England 1962-90 will be of interest to students andscholars across a range of disciplines, including sociology, history andpolitics.