The Role of Local Mosques in the Creation of Social Cohesion and Social Capital: The Case of Centrum de Middenweg in Rotterdam

The rising levels and dimensions of diversity in European states have been a topic of debate for decades. Starting with the permanent settlement of non-Western guest-workers in countries such as the Netherlands and Germany, the debate concerning integration and compatibility with Western values has been high on the agenda. A key concern in regards to this, is the maintenance of social cohesion. Putnam has argued that social cohesion can be formed through increasing social capital, within and between different groups. Religious associations have been considered essential to bridge between groups and create social capital. However, the ongoing political debates and portrayals of mosques and Muslims affect the mutual trust that is fundamental to social capital. In this paper, I will examine the role of mosques in the creation of social cohesion (SCH) and social capital (SC). I will do so by forming a theoretical framework surrounding the two concepts and determining the relevant...Show moreThe rising levels and dimensions of diversity in European states have been a topic of debate for decades. Starting with the permanent settlement of non-Western guest-workers in countries such as the Netherlands and Germany, the debate concerning integration and compatibility with Western values has been high on the agenda. A key concern in regards to this, is the maintenance of social cohesion. Putnam has argued that social cohesion can be formed through increasing social capital, within and between different groups. Religious associations have been considered essential to bridge between groups and create social capital. However, the ongoing political debates and portrayals of mosques and Muslims affect the mutual trust that is fundamental to social capital. In this paper, I will examine the role of mosques in the creation of social cohesion (SCH) and social capital (SC). I will do so by forming a theoretical framework surrounding the two concepts and determining the relevant indicators. After this, an assessment of the position and portrayal of Mosques and Muslims in the Netherlands will demonstrate the consequences of perceptions on social trust. Finally, I will analyse the interviews I have conducted with volunteers at the Centrum de Middenweg mosque in Rotterdam and several residents, based on the indicators I have found in the literature. My results display that a mosque can contribute to the social cohesion in a neighbourhood despite the discourse, by creating a welcoming ambiance and being in constant interaction with the residents.Show less

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The Role of Local Mosques in the Creation of Social Cohesion and Social Capital: The Case of Centrum de Middenweg in Rotterdam