A new study has found that the experiences of Turkish youth in the United Kingdom show that Islamophobia is not limited to overt hostility or direct discrimination, but also appears in everyday, routine interactions that can gradually weaken a person’s sense of belonging in their community.
The research was conducted by sociologist Mehmet Babacan. According to his findings, these subtle and indirect forms of discrimination—such as repeated security checks at airports or frequent questions about a person’s background—can accumulate over time and lead to lasting mental and psychological effects. Because these incidents are often not immediately obvious and can be difficult to prove, they are sometimes described as “everyday Islamophobia.”
The study also suggests that these behaviors are influenced by broader political and media narratives that portray Islam negatively and contribute to the normalization of prejudice in society. These attitudes can then be reflected in daily life, including in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
Babacan further notes that Muslims whose identities are more visibly recognized—particularly women who wear the hijab—may face more severe forms of discrimination that intersect both religion and gender.
Overall, the findings indicate that Islamophobia today is often expressed through small but persistent actions that can create feelings of exclusion, rather than through overt hostility. While these effects may be subtle and less visible, their long-term impact can be significant.
You can read the full study here:
