Multiculturalism as a Foucauldian Technology of Power: <i>Contructing a Muslim religious identity online in Finland and the Quebec province (Canada)</i>

Tanja Riikonen; Fred Dervin

doi:10.2478/v10202-011-0025-x

Research

Multiculturalism as a Foucauldian Technology of Power: Contructing a Muslim religious identity online in Finland and the Quebec province (Canada)

Authors:

Tanja Riikonen ,

Religious Studies, Université de Montréal, Quebec, CA

Fred Dervin

Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, University of Helsinki, FI

Abstract

The article proposes to compare perceptions and experiences of Muslims in Finland and in the Quebec province of Canada. Multiculturalism is conceived here as a Foucauldian technology of power. Analyzing two Muslim discussion forums, we argue that these digital versions of Foucault’s technologies of the self can reflect and challenge politics of multiculturalism and the notion of integration. Even though the data do not allow generalizations, the discussion forums reveal strategies that guide Muslims towards a ‘better and correctly practiced Islam’, helping them to strip everyday life of what they consider to disturbing their religious obligations.

Keywords: Digital technologies, technologies of power, Finland, Muslims, Quebec

How to Cite: Riikonen, T. and Dervin, F., 2012. Multiculturalism as a Foucauldian Technology of Power: Contructing a Muslim religious identity online in Finland and the Quebec province (Canada). Nordic Journal of Migration Research, 2(1), pp.35–44. DOI: http://doi.org/10.2478/v10202-011-0025-x

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Published on 01 Mar 2012.

Peer Reviewed

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

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