STAŤ / ARTICLE
Martin Klapetek:
Výzkum ekonomické funkce muslimských spolků v Německu a Rakousku
[Research on the Economic Function of Muslim Associations in Germany and Austria]
Klapetek, M. 2021. „Výzkum ekonomické funkce muslimských spolků v Německu a Rakousku.“ Acta Fakulty filozofické Západočeské univerzity v Plzni / West Bohemian Review of Social Sciences & Humanities 13 (1): 61–72.
Received 15 February 2021 / Accepted 20 May 2021 / Published 28 June 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24132/actaff.2021.13.1.4
Abstract
The study deals with the economic function of Muslim organizations in Germany and Austria. Sales and services are a research topic that is associated not only with organized Muslims. Other included participants are individualized and cultural Muslims. The economic activities of these organizations also have an impact on customers from non-Muslim societies. The study is based on a critical reflection of expert discussion, non-participant observations conducted during field research, analysis of photo documentation obtained by the researcher, descriptions of the visited locations, as well as the self-presentation of communities. The economic function is interrelated with other activities of the associations. Primarily, it has an impact on the organization´s educational, leisure-oriented, social, and cultural activities. Financial resources gained from renting or operating shops or services are vital to secure the operation of an association and its development. Based on the analysis of the data obtained during field research, it is possible to design a basic typology of shops and establishments. The first sphere contains groceries, greengroceries, and butcher´s shops. Tea rooms differ from restaurants or cafés in their multifunctionality. The second sphere consists of travel agencies, bookshops, household goods, and textile shops. The third type contains services related to hair care. Last but not least, the paper deals with funeral services focused on Muslim clients. Among the key variables bearing an impact on the functioning of businesses are conveniently chosen business premises and adequately established working hours. Changes in the economic activities of Muslim associations in Germany and Austria show not only the transformation of the community itself but also its immediate surroundings.
Islam, Germany, Austria, economic function of associations, mosques
