Transnational and Transcultural Identities of the Muslim Diaspora (original) (raw)
Contemporary European Islam is shaped by two opposing processes: homogenization and diversification. We observe the formation of European or global Islam on the one hand and, on the other hand, the ongoing differentiation of Islam under the influence of, and interaction with, local cultures. The young generation of European Muslims draws from different cultural traditions and creates a variety of hybrid identities. The transnational nature of European Islam promotes transcultural identities. However, not all of these are pro-European and pro-democratic. An example of pro-European Islam is the hybrid built by the European Muslim women who combine emancipation with religion, as well as the Swedish and Norwegian Islam created by European converts. An example of a negative identity is the anti-European subculture of the French suburbs, influenced by radical Islamists. Pluralism within Islam and the Muslim identity is a fact which requires more attention in the formulation of the new European integration policy. What is needed is support for the new transcultural identification of European Muslims within the limits of democratic freedom.
Loading Preview
Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.