In addition to providing credible statistics on the prevalence of hate crimes, discrimination and hostility gaianst Muslims, the study gives special attention to the Islamophobic and racial motivations for such crimes and goes beyond merely looking at major criminal acts, such as murder and other forms of violence, and considers the environment in which such acts may be encouraged and legitimised. This includes factors such as discriminatory legislation resulting in social inequality in jobs, housing and social services, among other things, as well as negative media representation of Muslims.
A significant portion of the study is devoted to conceptualising and analysing the causes of hate crimes. This takes into account many considerations, including:
- Defining what is meant by the term ‘hate crime’
- Categorisation of different types of prejudice
- Backgrounds of perpetrators and victims of hate crimes and factors that increase hatred
- Impacts of hate crimes on individuals, the community and the broader threat to society
- Hate crime legislation, its functionality and the challenges it faces
- The specific case of Muslims in Britain and the hate crimes they face
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