Islamic Traditions and Muslim Youth in Norway

Jacobsen (social anthropology, University of Bergen) spent several months getting to know members of two Muslim youth groups in Bergen. Both of these were founded by the young adults and are not under the aegis of any particular outside group. Her conclusions are similar to those of others who have looked at the identity crises of second-generation immigrants. Even the societal misunderstanding and prejudice have historical parallels. However, in the light of current perceptions of young Muslim men as brain-washed terrorists and Muslim women as downtrodden, Jacobsen's findings are important and topical. Along with the universal problem of a desire to be oneself and fit in to the dominant society, Norwegian Muslim youth are trying to construct a Muslim identity with a host of theological choices and traditions. The diversity of the decisions made by the young Muslims is one of the most important messages of this study. An article for general audiences covering the main points of this book would be enlightening for many. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Christine M. Jacobsen, Ph.D. (2006) in Social Anthropology from the University of Bergen, is specialized in migration, gender and religious studies, and has published on Islam and Muslims in Norway, includingTilhorighetens mange former. Unge muslimer i Norge (UniPax, 2002). She is the Research Leader of IMER Bergen and a Post Doctoral Fellow at the Department of Social Anthropology, University of Bergen.