Sunni–Shia identities among young Norwegian Muslims: the remaking of Islamic boundaries
The potential spillover of Sunni–Shia conflicts from the Middle East to Muslim minorities in the West is an understandable concern. However, in line with Fredrik Barth’s idea that ‘boundary maintenance’ defines groups, we demonstrate that young Norwegian Muslims redraw Islamic boundaries and challen...
| Published in: | Journal of contemporary religion |
|---|---|
| Authors: | ; |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
|
| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Carfax Publ.
2022
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| In: |
Journal of contemporary religion
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| Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
Norway
/ Demarcation
/ Sunna
/ Shi'ah
/ Sect
/ Identity development
|
| RelBib Classification: | AD Sociology of religion; religious policy AX Inter-religious relations BJ Islam KBE Northern Europe; Scandinavia |
| Further subjects: | B
Fredrik Barth
B Islam B Norway B Diaspora B Shia B Sectarianism B group conflict B Sunni |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (kostenfrei) |
| Summary: | The potential spillover of Sunni–Shia conflicts from the Middle East to Muslim minorities in the West is an understandable concern. However, in line with Fredrik Barth’s idea that ‘boundary maintenance’ defines groups, we demonstrate that young Norwegian Muslims redraw Islamic boundaries and challenge traditional Muslim identities, notably along and across Sunni–Shia lines. In Norway, where Muslims from various backgrounds mix and interact, young Muslims both deconstruct and reconstruct Sunni–Shia boundaries. Our data show that these boundaries provide important identity markers. Most young Norwegian Muslims participating in our study downplay Sunni–Shia differences, preferring to emphasise inclusive Muslim identities. However, a minority among them highlight such differences to reaffirm their identities as ‘true believers’ in opposition to other Muslims. |
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| ISSN: | 1469-9419 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Journal of contemporary religion
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1080/13537903.2022.2050078 |