New research explores how states' institutional acceptance of diverse ethnocultural groups influences the descriptive representation of European Muslims in national legislatures. By analyzing 635 seats filled by Muslim-origin Members of Parliament across twenty-six European countries between 2007 and 2018, findings suggest that formal recognition of diversity correlates strongly with increased visibility of Muslim representatives.

📊 Data & Methods

Researchers utilized an original dataset encompassing legislative cycles from three time periods. Case studies provided deeper insights into mechanisms at play in four specific nations.

🔍 Key Findings

Multivariate regression analysis reveals a positive association between institutionalized diversity and descriptive representation of Muslim minorities. Countries with more inclusive governance structures saw higher rates of Muslim political participation.

💡 Implications for Future Research

This suggests policymakers should examine how formal recognition mechanisms may foster greater inclusion, potentially influencing strategies to improve minority political visibility.