The "labeled" side of COVID-19 in India: psychosocial perspectives on Islamophobia during the pandemic

Dublin Core

Title

The "labeled" side of COVID-19 in India: psychosocial perspectives on Islamophobia during the pandemic

Author

Ahuja, Kanika K.
Banerjee, Debanjan

Language

English

Publication Date

20210122

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global public health threat over the last few months. Historically, infectious disease outbreaks like the plague, Influenza, cholera, HIV, etc. have generated stigma, prejudice, "othering" and xenophobia, against certain communities. One such prevalent form of xenophobia, is Islamophobia or "fear and discrimination against the Muslims." Though debated over its various facets and definitions, it is on the rise worldwide. India, being a socio-politically diverse and populous nation, has been facing unique challenges during COVID-19. Considering Hinduism and Islam are the two major religious communities, the subcontinent has witnessed complex dynamics in their relationship throughout history. The pandemic has further instigated Islamophobia, and consequent discrimination, as well as unrest. This can have significant effect of public behavior and health. In the recent past, few legislations in India were interpreted to be Islamophobic and generated nation-wide protest, which provided a fertile backdrop against the discriminative effects of the pandemic. Keeping this in background, this commentary highlights the social contexts of increase in Islamophobia in India during the pandemic, discusses the possible psychological explanations and public health impact, as well as outlines some ways to mitigate it focusing on collectivism.

Primary Classification

9.1

Secondary Classification

9.1; 21.1; 1.2

Primary keywords

disease outbreaks [pri]; Muslims [pri]; social discrimination [pri]; viruses

Secondary keywords

communicable diseases; harm; politics; psychology; public health; stigmitization

Subject

India

Subject

COVID-19; Islamophobia; pandemic; Tablighi Jamaat

Journal Article

Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2021 January 22; 11:604949: 8p.

Link for Internet access

Note

Copyright © 2021 Ahuja and Banerjee. Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY)

Primary Document Type

j

Bibliography

58 refs.

ISSN

16640640 (online)

Collection

Citation

“The "labeled" side of COVID-19 in India: psychosocial perspectives on Islamophobia during the pandemic,” Islamic Medical & Scientific Ethics, accessed January 24, 2025, https://imse.ibp.georgetown.domains/items/show/38316.