“Political Identity” of Muslim Youth in Western Diaspora: Towards an Integrative Research Agenda

Abstract

This paper outlines the general principles of a comparatively inclusive analytical framework for the investigation of political identity formation among young Muslims in Western societies. “Political identity”, in general, as a multidimensional social phenomenon with multiple social modalities, has been undertheorized in the mainstream literature. Based on a critical review of the current primary literature, the paper proposes a more broadly applicable definition of “political identity” in terms of its five interrelated components. It argues that the current and growing literature around the topic lacks a necessary comprehensive view. The poverty of current literature on “political identity” appears more conspicuous when it comes to study the youth among ethno-religious minorities in diaspora. The paper then discusses the basics of a new “integrative”, “interdisciplinary” approach to studying the “dynamics and multiplicity of identity construction” among Young Muslims in the West. A sociological account of these multiple dynamics is required to theorize their interdependence as part of its inclusive research agenda.