Factors that Influence how Sunni Muslims in Western Michigan Perceive Violence

Factors that Influence how Sunni Muslims in Western Michigan Perceive Violence by Joyce M. Busch MA, Western Governors University, 2015 MSS, United States Army War College, 2011 MA, Western Governors University, 2007 MBA, Touro University, 2003 BS, United States Military Academy, 1987 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University February 2018 Abstract Decisionmakers in organizations like the Department of Defense and the State Department rely on accurate information to develop strategies to engage foreign populations. There is gap in understanding how perceptions are formed in religious adherents, specifically understanding how Muslims determine if violence is an acceptable or unacceptable behavior. Informed by Hobföll’s conservation of resources theory ofDecisionmakers in organizations like the Department of Defense and the State Department rely on accurate information to develop strategies to engage foreign populations. There is gap in understanding how perceptions are formed in religious adherents, specifically understanding how Muslims determine if violence is an acceptable or unacceptable behavior. Informed by Hobföll’s conservation of resources theory of stress, the purpose of this case study was to identify and understand the religious and secular factors that influenced a group of Sunni Muslims in Western Michigan to accept or reject violent behaviors. Research questions focused on how this population’s perception of violence was influenced by religion, various sources of information and threats of loss. Convenience sampling was used to identify the participants for this study. Data were collected from face-to-face interviews with 10 Sunni Muslims living in Western Michigan. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and the data were inductively coded and examined to identify trends in the information. While identity and religion were important to understanding how Muslims view the acceptability of violence, perceptions of the justice system's effectiveness emerged as an important factor in understanding an individual’s tolerance for violent behaviors. The results of this study may contribute to positive social change by informing leaders who engage large Muslim populations about how perceptions of identity and justice system efficacy impact the acceptability of violent behaviors. Factors that Influence how Sunni Muslims in Western Michigan Perceive Violence by Joyce M. Busch MA, Western Governors University, 2015 MSS, United States Army War College, 2011 MA, Western Governors University, 2007 MBA, Touro University, 2003 BS, United States Military Academy, 1987 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University February 2018 Acknowledgements First, I’d like to thank my parents, Mr. Silas Shannon Jr. and Mrs. Kazue Shannon for always making sure that I had what I needed to complete this program. They somehow knew exactly what I needed and were always there to help. Without my parents to push me, to carry me, to hold me, and to walk with me, I can’t even imagine where I would be now. There aren’t enough words to express my appreciation. I would also like to thank my Committee for their support throughout this process. Thank you for your input and advice. Next, I want to thank Dr. Michelle Moore for listening to me and talking me off the ledge every time I wanted to quit. You have no idea how much your support meant to me. Thanks for always answering your phone. I’d also like to acknowledge Walter Malone, who for two years, commiserated with me as we wrote our papers after work, before work, and on weekends. I knew that no matter the hour, Walter would be down the hallway reading some article and tapping on his computer. Thanks for allowing me to complain. Your empathy was much appreciated. To all my friends and family who understood my schedule and never made me feel bad about staying in to read or write or edit, thank you. I’m genuinely grateful for everyone who supported me and helped me to get here. I know full well that I didn’t do this alone. Thank you all.