Final Abstract

TITLE "Information politics and the information seeking behavior of the Dutch Islamic community in Amsterdam"

AUTHOR 1> NAME: Demi Antzoulatos
INSTITUTION: University of Washington
TEL: 360-472-0570
EMAIL: demia@u.washington.edu

AUTHOR 2> NAME: Engy Fahmy
INSTITUTION: University of Washington
TEL: 425-941-9130
EMAIL: efahmy@u.washington.edu

AUTHOR 3> NAME: Rebecca Martin
INSTITUTION: University of Washington
TEL: 503-235-5739
EMAIL: rjm13@u.washington.edu

ABSTRACT: With an increase in migration, the Netherlands has become the home of a large and influential Islamic community. The Dutch model of immigrant integration is based on the premise of all immigrants’ rights to “socioeconomic equality”, “inclusion in the political domain” and “equity in the domains of culture and religion”; meaning the right to have their own identity and authenticity within the Dutch environment. Given the current cultural clash between the West, and Islam; it is important to understand the underlying factors behind the success/failure of co-existence between the Dutch and the Muslim communities in Amsterdam. How and what information is made available to the Dutch people is instrumental because information directly affects people’s views, and their understanding of the world.The effect of information politics on the Dutch Islamic community in the Netherlands is the focus of this research study, with three overlapping components. First, the politics behind the choice of which information (newspapers, TV, and internet) is made available by information dispersing organizations. Second, the effect of information politics on the Muslim population , their general understanding of their own image as an immigrant group, as well as the native Dutch views on political media portrayal of Muslims. Third and final component is the Dutch Islamic community’s information seeking behavior.Data collection will combine a variety of research methods including interviews with the Muslim student community in the University of Amsterdam, preliminary online surveys, field observations in academic and public libraries in Amsterdam, and internet research. Using sound recordings, video recordings, and internet tools like wikis, blogs and the University of Washington catalyst tools, will facilitate and enhance our research. The main research goal is to understand the reasons behind the clash of cultures through efficient study of the role of information, communication and media politics.