MIE Anti-Racist Education Network: 'Muslims in the Neoliberal Empire'
Manchester University, Ellen Wilkinson-A2.6, Manchester, M15 6JA
Thursday 23rd April 2026
In this seminar Dr Barylo will explore and compare various methods for monitoring, surveilling and controlling religious minorities in France and the UK and trace their roots in the colonial history of both countries. While France favours a control by external pressures - the law - the UK has sought a more subtle approach with social engineering: using the media, influencers, cultural trends, charities, funding and collaborators within communities to ensure compliance.
Bio:
Dr. William Barylo is a Sociologist and visual artist previously at the University of Warwick, using pictures and film to explore social issues from a decolonial and restorative perspective. He looks at how grassroots initiatives in Europe and North America navigate societal challenges and find ways to resist, heal and flourish. Committed to diverting power from the ivory tower and developing practical solutions through his research findings, he co-creates fictions, documentaries and experimental works with artists, practitioners and community organisers. He has directed the documentary ‘Polish Muslims‘, is the author of ‘Young Muslim Change-Makers‘ (Routledge 2017) ‘Muslims in the Neoliberal Empire‘ (Oxford 2025) and disseminates his research on his YouTube channel.
Bio:
Dr. William Barylo is a Sociologist and visual artist previously at the University of Warwick, using pictures and film to explore social issues from a decolonial and restorative perspective. He looks at how grassroots initiatives in Europe and North America navigate societal challenges and find ways to resist, heal and flourish. Committed to diverting power from the ivory tower and developing practical solutions through his research findings, he co-creates fictions, documentaries and experimental works with artists, practitioners and community organisers. He has directed the documentary ‘Polish Muslims‘, is the author of ‘Young Muslim Change-Makers‘ (Routledge 2017) ‘Muslims in the Neoliberal Empire‘ (Oxford 2025) and disseminates his research on his YouTube channel.
