RT Article
T1 Sunni–Shia identities among young Norwegian Muslims: the remaking of Islamic boundaries
JF Journal of contemporary religion
VO 37
IS 2
SP 261
OP 278
A1 Linge, Marius
A1 Larsson, Göran 1970-
LA English
PB Carfax Publ.
YR 2022
UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1809669383
AB 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.
K1 Fredrik Barth
K1 Diaspora
K1 group conflict
K1 Norway
K1 Islam
K1 Shia
K1 Sunni
K1 Sectarianism
DO 10.1080/13537903.2022.2050078