Reconfiguring Islamophobia

This book investigates the contested phenomena of Islamophobia, exploring the dichotomous relationship that exists between Islamophobia as a political concept and Islamophobia as a 'real' and tangible discriminatory phenomenon. In doing so, this book improves understanding about Islamophobia through arguing how this dichotomous contestation serves a number of functions. To do so, Allen radically reframes and reconfigures existing notions and understandings of Islamophobia. It does so in two ways. First, through presenting empirical data gathered from more than 100 victims of Islamophobic hate crime to categorically evidence that Islamophobia is indeed real and tangible. Second, through unrivalled 'insider' experience gained as an independent adviser on Islamophobia and associated issues to various political, community and third sector stakeholders. Challenging existing scholarly conceptions of Islamophobia, this book also challenges politicians and policymakers to do more.

1. Towards A Working Definition: Islamophobia And Its Contestation. - 2. A Fear Or Phobia: Islamophobia In Public And Political Context. - 3. Akin To Racism: Islamophobia In Scholarly Context. - 4. Inside, Outside And Face-To-Face: Methodological Approaches To Researching Islamophobia. - 5. From Go Back Home To Letterboxes: Islamophobia And Muslim Women. - 6. From Bin Laden To Paedos: Islamophobia And Muslim Men. - 7. From Smashed Windows To Nail Bombs: Islamophobia And Physical Structures. - 8. That Which Must Not Be Named: Islamophobia And New Labour. - 9. Passing The Dinner-Table Test: The Conservatives And The Political Spaces. - 10. Islamophobia: Convenient, Contested And Far From `Joined Up .