Enemies in Iraq, Human Beings in Norway: ‘Multilocal’ Boundaries between Radicalised Sunni and Shi‘a Muslims

Abstract

This article employs symbolic boundary theory to investigate how a sample of radicalised Sunni and Shi‘a Muslims in Norway make meaning of their views, behaviour and interactions with denominational others. It draws on 23 interviews with individuals who legitimise violence or are willing to use violence themselves to achieve political change. Research on boundary construction shows that the relative importance of boundaries varies across geographical contexts for different individuals. This article introduces the concept of ‘multilocal’ boundaries, which vary across contexts for the same individuals. The findings suggest that despite the boundaries being firmly agreed upon, their impact is limited by participants’ avoidance of religion and politics, their need to stand together as a minority and the enforced laws in Norway. At the same time, these boundaries can remain largely undiluted in another context. The war in Syria and Iraq seems to strengthen the influence of boundaries.