Unpacking the Integration Paradox: The Impact of Muslim Religion, Destination Context, and Personal Characteristics on Perceived Group Discrimination

ABSTRACT Perceived group discrimination is the feeling of being treated unfairly because of the belonging to a particular group. Using data from the European Social Survey, this study investigates how personal characteristics (e.g., generation, language, education) and integration contexts influence migrants’ perceptions of group discrimination. Results highlight an “integration paradox,” where more integrated Muslim migrants, especially second-generation, report higher discrimination. In addition to the moderating role of religious affiliation, the study shows that the integration context also moderates the relationship between migrant generation and perceived group discrimination. These results suggest that integration policies may have unintended short-term consequences.