Altruism and Intergenerational Relations among Muslims in Britain

Abstract

Altruism, as a moral and social value demanding responsibility, caring, attachment and a concern for the benefit of the larger society, is a neglected area of sociology. It directly involves individuals' collective identity and affects their behaviour within the context of family and community. Drawing on 75 in-depth interviews with leaders and other members of the British Muslim community, the article addresses the nature, extent and variation of altruistic values among different generations in the British Muslim population both within and outside the family. The research findings suggest that despite the generally strong representation of altruism within Muslim families, the kind of altruism generally found outside the family was often particularistic and directed towards small groups. Among some second- and third-generation Muslims, however, a more transcendental adherence to Islamic identity promises a more universalistic intercommunity approach. In addition, exposure to more liberal and individualistic western values has affected younger generations of Muslims and put some strains on relation-ships with their parents.