This book explores the Pakistani diaspora in a transatlantic context, enquiring into the ways in which young first- and second-generation Pakistani Muslim and non-Muslim men resist hegemonic identity narratives and respond to their marginalised conditions.

Drawing on rich documentary, ethnographic and interview material gathered in Boston and Dublin, Islam, Race, and Pluralism in the Pakistani Diaspora introduces the term 'Pakphobia', a dividing line that is set up to define the places that are safe and to distinguish 'us' and 'them' in a Pakistani diasporic context. With a multiple case study design, which accounts for the heterogeneity of Pakistani populations, the author explores the language of fear and how this fear has given rise to a 'politics of fear' whose aim is to distract and divide communities.

A rich, cross-national study of one of the largest minority groups in the US and Western Europe, this book will appeal to sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists, and geographers with interests in race and ethnicity, migration and diasporic communities.

About the Author

Craig Considine is a Catholic American of Irish and Italian descent. As a sociologist he focuses on Islam, religious pluralism, Muslim Americans, Islamophobia, Christian-Muslim relations, the life of the Prophet Muhammad, race and ethnic relations, and the intersection of religion and nationalism. Craig is currently a faculty member in the Department of Sociology at Rice University in Houston, Texas. He holds a Ph.D. from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Craig was born and bred in Needham, Massachusetts, and has lived in Washington, DC, and London, England.

Reviews

'Considine unpicks the complex journey of identity through the lens of the Pakistani experience both in the US and Europe. Placing both belief and bigotry in context, challenging both inter and intra community tensions and using the personal accounts of individuals he humanizes the monolithic myth of "the Pakistani." An important and timely contribution by a committed bridge builder.' Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, British lawyer, politician and member of the House of Lords

'Pakistani Muslims are often seen as one of the most controversial ethnic and religious groups on issues of identity and integration. In this well researched and empathetic study of Pakistani diasporas in Ireland and the US, Craig Considine has made a valuable contribution to the literature on Muslims in the West and the language of "us" and "them" which continues to inform the political and social narrative of citizenship.' Dr. Mona Siddiqui, Professor in Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations, Edinburgh University

'Dr. Considine adds another brick to the foundations of inter-racial peace in American and Irish societies. As an immigrant myself who migrated to America from Pakistan as a young child, I have never seen anyone capture the struggles and challenges of Pakistanis trying to find their place in the West more accurately and intimately than Dr. Considine. As a devout Catholic, he delivers upon the teaching of Jesus Christ - "Blessed are the Peacemakers" - by writing this book.' Tayyib Rashid, US Marine Corps Veteran, 'The Muslim Marine'

Book Information
ISBN 9781138207226
Author Craig Considine
Format Hardback
Page Count 218
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 240g