Integration and Adaptation in society

Many of the interviewees of second generation believed that the concept of

“adaptation” does not apply to them that much since they were practically raised in Spain. They have not faced many difficulties in school or society. Many of the interviewees came to Spain at the early stage of childhood or were born in Spain.

They went to school and were educated just like any other Spanish child. They are

45

more tolerant and open-minded towards people of different cultural backgrounds than people from their home country. In fact, some interviewees even believed that they felt more at ease in Spain than in their home country. There are more rules and

restrictions for female interviewees and they believe that they actually have to “adapt”

when they go back to their home country.

5.5.2 First-Generation Muslims

In contrast, most first-generation Muslims interviewed had difficulty adjusting to their new environment when they came to Spain for the first time, even though they believed that it was not so difficult to adapt into Spain. Especially around the time when the interviewees decided to live in Spain, which was in the 1990s. At around that time, the lack of access to mosques, halal alimentation and poor public

knowledge of Muslims made it hard for them to adapt into society.

Most of the interviewees of first generation have faced many conflicts and

difficulties with Spanish citizens, often in the form of disdainful looks, ignorant words or being rejected from society. Most of the interviewees over 40 years old faced these difficulties more than interviewees under 40 years old. Two of the interviewees are under 40 years old and they had less difficulty adapting to society. These two

individuals came to Spain at an earlier age than the rest of the interviewees and were educated in Spain since they were nine and eleven years old. They consider

themselves to be fully integrated into Spanish society and identify themselves as either Spanish Muslims or from both countries.

46 5.6 Different identity roles

The identities of the Muslims, whether it is first or second generation of Muslims, are different according to their personal opinion. Most of those who were born and raised in Spain feel more Spanish. Some of them are not used to the Moroccan culture as well as the Spanish culture because they spent most of their lives in Spain. Some of the interviewees feel that they are Moroccan because they are aware that they are different from the Spanish citizens in Spain, in terms of religion, culture and/or race.

No matter what national identity they identify with, or what cultural identity they are used to or identify with, the one identity that they all agree to, is their religious identity, the identity of being a Muslim.

The feeling towards Morocco also differs from first to second generation of interviewees. The first-generation immigrants looks at Morocco as their homeland, the place that they want to return to. Whereas the second-generation immigrants sees Morocco as a place for vacation, a place where their relatives or grandparents live.

Some of the second-generation immigrants even have cultural shock in Morocco because they cannot do certain things or talk in certain ways in Morocco that they can in Spain.

For the first generation of immigrants, they had lived in Spain for a long time, but they were not all raised in Spain, so they had to adapt into the Spanish society. If they are not accepted by society, they will not identify themselves as Spanish, even though they have the Spanish nationality and no matter how long they live in Spain, as was the case with interviewee 15.

In contrast, most of the second-generation immigrants were born in Spain, they received a Spanish education and they have friends from Spain, so they do not feel

47

that there is a need to adapt to Spanish society because they are already part of it.

However, after graduating from university, some have faced major obstacles in the labor market, especially female interviewees who wear hijabs. They feel

discriminated in job interviews because they were asked to remove their hijab. Even though they feel Spanish, they are constantly reminded by society that they are not the same as everyone else in Spanish society, in terms of religion, culture or ethnicity.

5.6.1 Second-Generation Muslims

The identity of the second-generation Muslims is a mixed feeling between the two countries, it is how they identify themselves and it is categorized as “national belongingness” in figure 5.1. Some of them identify themselves as both Spanish and Moroccan. Most of the second-generation interviewees, especially those who grew up in Spain and were born in Spain, identified themselves as Spanish. These second-generation immigrants felt greater loyalty towards Spain, especially when it comes to being a citizen in Spain and trying to improve the situation of Spain instead of their home country, because they spent most of their lives these. However, they are aware of the fact that they are not the same culturally and religiously as other Spanish citizens.

The identities that are mentioned in figure 5.3 are religious identity, national identity, and cultural identity. National identity is the nationality that the interviewees possess, it is not identical as national belongingness in figure 5.1. National

belongingness is identified as the feeling of belonging in one country in this figure.

The interviewees of second-generation Muslims identified themselves differently in terms of their cultural identity. Some considered themselves to be mixed culture

48

because they were raised and educated in Spain and the Spanish culture forms a part of their lives, while others think they belong to only one culture. The results are demonstrated in the following figure 5.3 in the column of culture identity.

49

Figure 5.3 Identities of Second-Generation Muslims

Interviewee Gender Age Religious identity

National

identity Ethnicity Cultural identity

Years in Spain

Educational Level

1 F 22 Muslim Spanish Moroccan Mixed 22 University

2 F 24 Muslim Spanish Moroccan Mixed 24 University

3 F 21 Muslim Moroccan Moroccan Spanish 16 University

4 F 24 Muslim Moroccan Moroccan Mixed 17 University

5 F 23 Muslim Moroccan,

Spanish pending

Moroccan Mixed, more

Spanish 16 University

6 F 21 Muslim Spanish Moroccan Moroccan 19 University

7 F 18 Muslim Spanish Moroccan Moroccan 18 University

8 F 20 Muslim Spanish Moroccan Moroccan 20 University

9 M 20 Muslim Spanish Moroccan Mixed 20 University

50 5.6.2 First-Generation Muslims

The identities of first-generation Muslims is demonstrated in figure 5.4 and their national belongingness is presented in figure 5.2. The identities of the first-generation interviewees will be explained after the general figure of 5.2 and 5.4. The cultural identity of the first-generation interviewees can be seen differently according to where the interviewees were born and raised, which will be explained later on.

Figure 5.4. Identities of First-Generation Muslims

Interviewee Gender Age Religious identity

National

identity Ethnicity Cultural identity

One interviewee of first-generation Muslims even decided not to answer some questions because he did not want to get into trouble, as he is currently unemployed and did not have Spanish nationality. He feels lost in Spain and did not feel Spanish at all. “I am Moroccan, not Spanish. I will not turn into Spanish, this is clear.”³⁹ This interviewee is representative of the majority of the Moroccan Muslims that

39 Appendix 2. Interviewee 12.

51

immigrated to Spain, as most of them are afraid to speak up due to the language barrier or because they do not want to cause trouble and they just want to live their lives in Spain quietly without disturbing anyone. As one second-generation female interviewee commented, “Ask my mom how many Spanish friends she has. None!”⁴⁰ Many of them live with people that they are familiar with and only interact within their own ethnic circle.

Two first-generation interviewees have lived in Spain for around 30 years, but they identified themselves differently. Interviewee 11 was born in Ceuta, which is a Spanish city and came to Madrid at 21 years old, looking for a job. Interviewee 15 came at the age of 20 years old and came to Spain because she had relatives here.

They both faced discrimination in person. The male interviewee came to Spain and faced discrimination, even though he was born Spanish. “Back then, they see us in a weird way. But let’s say, personally, the most difficulties I had was in the workplace.

Many times you have to demonstrate that you are Spanish. People they see nothing but your features and they tell you, ‘You are not Spanish.’”⁴¹ The male interviewee even had to close down his restaurant after the March 11 attack in Spain, and many people threw eggs at his restaurant window.

The female interviewee has suffered disparaging remarks because she is wearing a hijab, something she has faced her entire life. The male interviewee identified himself as Spanish, while the female interviewee considered herself to be Moroccan.

She commented: “I am not Spanish, because they don’t accept me.” And “I don’t feel like a Spanish, I feel like a Muslim….Because they don’t let me, only with their looks

40 Appendix 2. Interviewee 8.

41 Appendix 2. Interviewee 11.

52 they hurt me.”⁴²

One interviewee who came to study in Spain at the age of 24 ended up living in Spain for 25 years identified himself as both Moroccan and Spanish, but he also commented that Morocco is his home country and his homeland, something that Spain cannot replace. “I feel Moroccan, I feel Arab, and this no one can take it away from me. Therefore, it is my identity, but in all of this, Spain is present, very

present.”⁴³ However, if he encountered Spanish people in a foreign country, he would be happy to talk to them and feel at ease with them. The identity of being Spanish is an added element to his own identity.

5.7 Differences between generations

Second-generation interviewees believed that they should be treated equally in the society, they are more active and would like to change the perception of Muslims in Spain. They participate in Muslim associations and non-governmental

organizations and also create websites to become more engaged in media

communication. There are many Muslim associations that are active in society, for example, one of the associations unites young Muslim girls and they organize activities such as trips and conferences for young Muslim girls to meet up and get to know each other.

There are also associations that are based in the areas where the interviewees live and they also organize activities with the city hall or the universities to give speeches or conferences to the public in the hopes of breaking down the barriers and

stereotypes between Muslims and the participants. For instance, the area of

42 Appendix 2. Interviewee 15.

43 Appendix 2. Interviewee 13.

53

Fuenlabrada has had experiences working with the city government and the

universities near Fuenlabrada to organize conferences to combat Islamophobia or on other topics to help the general public understand Islam better.

For the first generation of immigrants, there are extreme distinctions within the interviewees. Most of them came alone to find a job, some came with their families and one came to study in Spain. The language barrier of the interviewees represented the most difficult hurdle for the first-generation immigrants to adapt to the Spanish society. Although some of the first-generation interviewees spoke Spanish fluently, the majority did not speak Spanish that well and were afraid to speak to the

interviewer.

Generally speaking, the first-generation Muslim immigrants came to Spain to find a better life. Some achieved their goals and lived well in Spain, but others did not.

Many of them felt political injustice and that they were neglected in policy making.

They have to pay their taxes as equals in society without receiving equal rights as every other Spanish citizen. The construction of mosques and places to pray for Ramadan has to be outside of the city center, even though the construction of Catholic or Christian churches can be located at the center of the city without any problems.

Most of them have adapted well into the society, but their identity varies depending on how they are perceived and treated in the society.

Despite believing that racism and Islamophobia are present in Spanish society, they still believe that Spain is more tolerant of Muslims than other countries, with the short history of immigration. The female interviewees are the ones that face most discriminations in the society, whether it is on the streets or in the workplace. Spain’s declining economy has increased the difficulties of the interviewees, especially young

54 female interviewees wearing hijabs.

The educational level of first-generation Muslims and second-generation Muslims are different as well. Most of the second-generation immigrants have completed university-level education, and are more privileged compared to the first-generation immigrants. Some second-first-generation interviewees also commented that their parents had limited access to education. The second-generation Muslims did not have a language barrier, for they are educated as any other Spanish children. The first-generation Muslims had more difficulties with the Spanish language, especially when they first moved to Spain. Some of the first-generation Muslims, even after living in Spain for a long time, still cannot master the Spanish language.

The second-generation interviewees did not have difficulties fitting in the society, because they grew up in the society, they are more eager to fight for equality and rights just as any other Spanish citizen. Whereas the first-generation immigrants are not well prepared to defend their rights as well as the second-generation immigrants and would like to just live their lives in peace. In particular, those who are not fluent in the Spanish language are afraid to express their thoughts, because they do not want to accidentally offend anyone.

In terms of participating in society, second-generation immigrants are more involved in Muslim associations and try to express their voice through social media or the internet. They also work with the local government and universities to host events and conferences to combat Islamophobia or other unfamiliarity with relations to Islam.

There are also people from first-generation immigrants that are working in

associations to help out Muslims from around the world, not just in Spain. The area and issues of involvement of first generation, especially those who can speak Spanish

55

fluently, is deeper than second generation. They are more concerned about

constructing mosques, finding places to pray for Ramadan, asking the government for a Muslim cemetery, things that are more precise and more problematic to resolve.

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Chapter 6: Conclusion

6.1 Conclusion

From the interviews and previous literature, the research questions are answered.

There are many challenges that are faced by both first and second generation immigrants in their new homeland. Muslim immigrants in Spain are not widely accepted by the general public, especially by the elderly population. The idea of someone being both Spanish and Muslim at the same time is also very difficult for the public to understand. With the recent terrorist attacks, the influence of the media, the short history of immigration, and the lack of knowledge of Islam, public perception is still negative towards Muslims living in Spain, and intensifies after each attack.

Female Muslims with hijabs are the victims of constant disapproving looks and comments, and they are more likely to be rejected in the workplace solely due to their appearance. They are judged personally by strangers just because of their attire. Even male Muslims are being examined more closely in the airports due to their nationality, their names and their physical appearances.

Most of the interviewees, despite the discrimination, difficulties, and obstacles that they face in the society, still have positive attitudes towards Spanish society.

They believe that Spain is more friendly and accepting than other European countries and that Islamophobia occurs in isolated cases within the society and they are not severe. The lack of knowledge about Islam in Spain is the main reason that Muslims feel degraded in society and feel segregated and thus the belongingness is absent. For those that feel welcomed by Spanish society and have lived in Spain for many years, the presence of Spanish as a part of their identity is notable.

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The attitudes towards the Muslim community has been viewed from positive, as perceived as a benefit to the society and not a threat to national identity, by the Spanish community in the early stages of immigration. From the cases of the first generation immigrants, although they faced some racist remarks or difficulties

adapting to society, they still believed the Spanish society was friendly towards them.

However, after the terrorist attacks from 9/11 in the U.S. to 311 in Spain, the attitudes towards Muslims became more negative. One interviewee’s business had been closed down due to the attacks of Spanish people after 311 Madrid bombing. Along with the changes of political policies, economic crises and the terrorist attacks in Europe, the interviewees noticed the shift of attitudes from positive towards negative, the immigrants are seen as a scapegoat, someone to blame for the crisis of the country and the source of instability in society.

In terms of the government, the immigration policies put in place by the Spanish government can be seen as a failure in the integration process of Muslim immigrants.

These policies do not contribute to the change of identity of the Muslim immigrants nor is it helpful to their integration in the society. It is the attitudes, perception of the society and the lack of knowledge that is changing the identity of the Muslim

immigrants. If the immigrants are not seen as part of the society and are discriminated against based on their religion, they will not feel at ease at Spain. The treatment they receive from the society, the attitudes and perceptions they receive are the major factors to determine whether they feel belongingness in the Spanish society or not.

58 6.2 Implications

The integration of Muslim immigrants in Spanish society still needs

improvement, as many of their rights are not recognized by the officials although it is stated in the law. The law gave Muslims and people of other religions many rights, such as having the option to choose halal food in hospitals, allowing students to have religious classes in public schools, and so on. However, these laws are not being carried out by the local government. Even today, renting a place to pray in the center of the city during Ramadan is rejected by the local government. Not to mention actually constructing of mosque in the city center.

There are many improvements needed to be done from the side of the

There are many improvements needed to be done from the side of the