How Does Higher Education Influence Attitudes Towards Muslims? Examining Mechanisms That Reduce Prejudice Within UK Universities

This article examines the relationship between encounters with religious diversity and the perspectives people form about Muslims. Its empirical focus is individuals studying at UK universities. Previous research suggests Muslims are amongst those most subject to negative prejudice in the UK, this being structured around racial or ethnic prejudice and negative judgements about Islam as a religion. Universities, on the other hand, generally retain a reputation for upholding values of equality, diversity and inclusion. While this reputation is not uncontested, evidence suggests high proportions of students affirm positive views about minority groups, including Muslims. This article examines longitudinal data from a national survey of university students to clarify how they view Muslims and examine how these views might have been shaped by their experience of university. Focusing on students' encounters with religious diversity, the article examines different mechanisms within the university experience that appear most significant in shaping a more positive outlook on Muslims. In so doing, it assesses the capacity of universities to drive progressive attitudinal change and investigates the social mechanisms that bring this about, highlighting in particular the initiation of 'proactive encounters' with other students affirming different worldviews.