Date of Award

Fall 12-15-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Political Science

College

College of Humanities and Fine Arts

First Advisor

Pamela Martin

Abstract/Description

Many scholars argue that as a whole, Muslims in Europe are not successfully integrating into European society. The reasons why are debated and still far from understood. It is clear, however, that many Muslim communities are negatively affected by many socioeconomic factors, leaving them poor and viewed as outcasts. Given these circumstances, scholars have suggested that some individuals join radical Islamist groups to give meaning to their lives and secure a sense of inclusion because they do not feel a part of the country in which they live. However, this fails to explain the numerous cases of highly educated, middle class Muslim individuals who appear to be successfully integrated into society, yet are converting to radical Islam. There is perhaps an underlying force at work that may explain why some individuals from both ends of the spectrum are turning to radical Islam: globalization.

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