Rädslan som förtrycker och diskriminerar muslimer : En kvalitativ litteraturstudie av termen islamofobi och dess anknytning till definitionen av fobi

Sammanfattning: Islamophobia is a phenomenon that has developed very dramatically since the beginning of the 21st century due to several different factors. This has given rise to negative consequences for many individuals around the world who identify with the religion of Islam (Muslims). It has led several researchers to study Islamophobia from different perspectives based on their scientific disciplines, which has resulted in various definitions, theories, results, and solutions. The purpose of this study has been to analyze existing research over time that defines the term Islamophobia as a phobia, in order to understand the definition and development of the concept. Additionally, the study aims to critically examine the concept and the included definition factors. Through a qualitative literature review, eight psychological research papers were examined to answer the purpose of this study. All of the scientific studies that were examined based their definition on Islamophobia being a phobia (fear) towards Muslims. The difference between the definitions lies in what people are afraid of at the core and how this fear spills over onto Muslims. Upon critical examination, it has been found in this study that the term "phobia" is not a suitable term for defining discrimination towards Muslims, because a phobia is often defined as an unfounded and exaggerated fear. Moreover, the psychological research studies examined in this study contradict this definition, as they consider the fear to be strong. Based on the critical examination of scientific works in this study, it is suggested that a new term should be used to define all psychological feelings that have an essence in this research field.