Attitudes towards intolerance are complex, diverse across Western, Arab, and Asian nations
In June and July 2024, the Sawab Center conducted a survey of 19,264 individuals across 10 nations — three Arab countries, four Western nations, and three Asian Muslim-majority states — to examine perceptions of intolerance and hate speech. The study sought to assess how respondents view these issues, identify the factors shaping their attitudes, and determine which institutions they hold accountable for addressing the challenges posed by extremism and divisive rhetoric. The findings, organized into three regional categories — Western countries, Arab nations, and South and Southeast Asian Muslim states — reflect viewpoints shaped by distinct cultural, social, and political contexts.
Download Report The survey addresses a critical concern: Hate speech and intolerance. It aimed to understand how these dynamics manifest across diverse regions, from Western multiculturalism to the traditional frameworks of the Arab world and the evolving cultural landscape of Asian Muslim nations.
Western respondents largely endorsed diversity, viewing multiculturalism as a societal asset, though concerns about immigration and ethnic integration revealed underlying tensions tied to economic competition and cultural change. In Arab countries, perspectives were divided, with many favoring cultural uniformity, a stance likely rooted in tradition and anxieties over social cohesion. Asian Muslim nations displayed a blend of attitudes, reflecting a balance between heritage and increasing global exposure. Across all regions, aspirations for mutual respect competed with apprehensions about immigration, ethnic diversity, and societal stability.
Political instability emerged as a universal worry, with respondents citing its disruptive impact. In Arab and Asian Muslim countries, economic hardship and issues such as unemployment intensified these concerns. Gender equality registered as a significant issue in South Asia, while Western nations focused more on immigration and diversity. These variations underscore the distinct priorities of different regions.
Reactions to intolerant statements highlighted differing levels of engagement. In Western countries, many rejected such rhetoric outright, though some hesitated to confront it directly. In Arab nations, disapproval was widespread, but active opposition remained limited. Asian Muslim countries followed a similar pattern. On interfaith marriage, Western respondents showed greater acceptance, while Arab nations registered 45% opposition and Asian countries 73%, reflecting deep cultural and religious influences.
Gender equality divided opinions sharply. In Western nations, nearly 60% strongly opposed statements denying women equal rights. In Arab countries, 20% supported such views, with 19.7% in partial agreement. Asian Muslim nations showed a split, with 47.33% rejecting inequality. Attitudes toward racial integration also varied: 32% of Western respondents opposed exclusionary sentiments, compared with 23.8% in Arab countries supporting them and 34% in Asian nations rejecting them, though often passively.
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