Coping with Anti-Muslim Sentiments, How Representatives of Organisations Handle Prejudice

In this paper, we argue that the study of ethnic identity should consider the influence of external identifications. We analyse how the factors of external identification such as - on macro level - the discursive context play and - on micro level - social contacts and perceived levels of acceptance play a role in the process of ethnic identity construction for immigrants and their offspring. In the past decade, prejudice towards Muslims in public opinion has been common in Europe and some kind of influence on ethnic identity seems probable. If and how external factors affect the construction of ethnic identities amongst Muslim immigrants in Europe remains an empirical question. Based on recently collected data (EURISLAM 2011), we look at first and second generation Moroccans and show how ethnic identification, i.e. self-definition, is influenced by external identifications.