On the Misrecognition of Identity: Muslims' Everyday Experiences in Scotland

Abstract

Political theory is interested in the misrecognition of identity because it impacts individuals' autonomy in their self-definition and thus their ability to articulate and pursue identity-related interests. Here, we explore minority group members' experiences of being seen in terms that do not accord with their self-definition. Our data are qualitative, gathered through walking interviews with 24 Muslims in Scotland. Focusing on interactions in which they reported discrepancies between how they and others saw them, we differentiate four forms of misrecognition: (1) having the meaning of a valued identity (i.e., one's Muslim identity) defined by others in ways that one judges inaccurate and inappropriate; (2) having one's membership of a valued community (e.g., as a member of Scottish society) denied or rejected; (3) having one's identity (i.e., one's Muslim identity) overlooked such that one's distinctive identity-related needs are not taken into account; (4) being seen in terms of just one of one's many social identities (i.e., one's Muslim identity) such that other identities (judged more situationally relevant) are ignored. This empirically grounded typology contributes to wider debates about the forms of identity (mis)recognition and their political implications.

Organisational practices and social inclusion: Inclusionary place‐making in the library

“…Future research could explore the outcomes associated with library staff members' efforts. Ethnographic observation could investigate the diversity of groups physically present, the degree to which their identities are recognised (Ryan et al, 2023), the degree to which space is shared and intergroup contact takes place (Johnston, 2019; Kauff et al, 2020), the manner in which hierarchies of belonging are (re)produced. Such research would complement the current analysis through addressing the degree to which staff members' attempts to communicate and establish a socially‐shared vision of the library as a venue where all were welcome (and diversity valued) were successful.…”

Addressing anti-Gypsyism with context-dependent psychological tools: Research review, meta-analysis and secondary analysis of prejudice against the Roma

“…Denial of cultural autonomy of Roma people should be considered a form of misrecognition. Misrecognition describes practices that impose identities on members of disadvantaged groups that may diverge from their own sense of self (Ryan et al, 2023). As a result, misrecognition of Roma people can contribute to the alienation from their national ingroup and create obstacles for developing dual identification as Roma and as members of the nation.…”