When discrimination costs trust

FAU research project investigates the effects of exclusion on the trust in democracy among Muslim people in Germany

Discrimination is part of everyday life for many Muslims in Germany – with consequences that go far beyond personal insults. A study by the Research Center for Islam and Law in Europe at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is the first use experimental data to demonstrate how experiences of discrimination influence trust in state institutions – especially in the police. At the same time, the study shows that fundamental support for democracy remains stable. The findings of the research team led by Dr. Stephanie Müssig at FAU provide important impetus for politics, society, and Muslim communities, and are also encouraging.

How do experiences of discrimination affect the attitudes and behavior of Muslims in Germany? And what does that mean for their trust in the state and democracy? These were the main questions addressed by Dr. Stephanie Müssig, a political scientist and Islamic scholar at FAU EZIRE, and her team.

“We have known for a long time that Muslims in Germany experience discrimination – for example, in the job market. What has been missing until now is reliable research on how these experiences affect political attitudes,” says Dr. Müssig, This was the starting point for her subproject on perceptions of discrimination, part of the FAU project “Wechelwirkungen” (interactions).

How discrimination affects attitudes

The focus was on the question of whether and how perceived or experienced discrimination is closely linked to trust in political institutions. “Trust is central to social cohesion,” emphasizes Müssig. “Those who feel systematically disadvantaged lose trust – with consequences for society as a whole.”

A unique feature of this study is that it is the first time a randomized controlled experiment on this topic has been conducted in Germany. An online experiment involving 135 students in Middle East and Islamic studies explored how information about discrimination – such as the discrimination in the labor market faced by Muslim women who wear headscarves – affects political trust. In addition, seven group discussions were conducted with Muslim women and men.

A measurable loss of trust

The results are clear: Discrimination has a tangible and measurable impact. Perceptions of discrimination against certain groups, in particular, influence political attitudes. “We were able to demonstrate that trust in the police declines significantly when Muslims are confronted with information about discrimination against their group,” explains Müssig. Participants with a strong Muslim identity also demonstrated less trust in the German federal parliament, the Bundestag. Other institutions such as courts or the federal government were less affected.

The group discussions also made it clear that many Muslims feel that state institutions could protect them from discrimination but are not always willing to do so. “The state is not only seen as a protective authority, but in some cases also as a source of discrimination – for example, through political decisions, official practices, or public rhetoric,” says Müssig. Despite these experiences, the results do not give any indication that those affected are turning away from democracy or society.

Commitment despite disappointment

On the contrary: General trust in the state remains comparatively high, and many Muslim women and men want to continue to play an active role. Many say: We are disappointed, yes. But we believe that things will get better – especially for our children. And that’s what we’re committed to,” emphasizes Müssig. The study underscores how important it is to take Muslim experiences seriously. Stigmatizing stereotypes, sweeping security debates, and generalized portrayals can undermine trust and undermine people’s strong commitment to social cohesion.

“Trust is not a one-way street,” emphasizes Müssig. “Our study shows: Reducing discrimination strengthens democracy.” The study was conducted as part of the FAU project “Wechselwirkungen,” (interactions) based at FAU EZIRE. From 2020 to the end of 2024, under the direction of Dr. Jörn Thielmann (Managing Director of FAU EZIRE), it examined social discourse on Islam, Islamism, and measures against radicalization.