Divided We Stand

In Chapter 3, Blondel touches upon the cultural divide between Muslims and non-Muslims in France. He paints a bleak picture when he writes “[t]he many Muslims born in France may feel religiously but also culturally least at ease in an environment that is often hostile and at best uncomprehending” (p. 135). But according to a 2008 Gallup poll reported in The Economist, the Muslim community in France may be living comparatively better lives than their counterparts in Europe. (http://www.economist.com/world/britain/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13612116).

The Gallup used a “broad measure of economic and personal well-being” to assess the levels of satisfaction with life between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities of France, Britain and Germany. Turns out that France has the highest proportion of Muslims who consider themselves as “thriving” in their country of residence. While it is important not to overstate the happiness levels of French Muslims (who are continually subjected to discrimination and hostility in France), the study finds that they are comparatively happier than their French and British counterparts.

Also of note in the poll was the difference in opinions about homosexuality, abortion and sex before marriage between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities in the three countries. The study finds that French Muslims are more accepting of these issues than those in Britain and Germany. Refer to the chart that can be viewed via the link to see what I believe to be statisically and practically significant differences in opinions between the communities.

I am left wanting to know more about the French Muslims. What are the influential factors that make French Muslims comparatively happier and more liberal than British and German Muslims? I am also curious as about the techniques used in the poll such as their sample size, sampling plan, method and response bias.

: Jessica