Society for the Anthropology of Europe

Oral Presentation Session

Can the mosque be a space for political participation? A study of Danish politicians with a Muslim background and their use of the mosque.

Presenter(s)

• BJ

  Brian Jacobsen

  University of Copenhagen

Few studies have examined the role of religious institutions in ethnic or minority communities as political mobilizers. Furthermore, little is known about the role that link minorities in religious institutions to broader forms of political participation. Through an examination of discourses of Danish Muslim political behavior and their levels of mosque participation, I will argue that the mosque takes on the manifold role of mobilization vehicle for civic participation. I will also argue that most mosques on both an official and practical level promote and foster a sense of group consciousness among Danish Muslims that promote democratic ideals. Thereby the mosque can become an important focal point for integration of Muslims with migration background in the Danish society.