Between Threat and Ideal: The Subjectivation of Imams
Abstract
Public debate on Muslims in Switzerland is characterized to a significant degree by issues of problematisation and securitisation. In this debate, imams have become an increasingly frequent topic, seen for example as those who steer Muslim communities. This article, published in the Journal of Muslims in Europe (vol. 15, no. 2, p. 229-253) by sociologist Noemi Trucco, examines how perceptions and ascriptions in public debate affect the self-image of imams, and is therefore concerned with the subjectivation of imams.
Based on a discourse analysis of mass media and political debates in Switzerland and interviews with male imams, the article reconstructs subject positions addressing imams, as well as their self-positionings. Findings indicate that imams are addressed by an anti-subject and an ideal model subject, leaving little space for manoeuvre in the imam’s self-positioning. However, applying Homi K. Bhabha’s concept of mimicry suggests that there may be more agency for imams than revealed at first glance.
This article extends Noemi Trucco’s doctoral thesis, completed at the Swiss Centre for Islam and Society (SCIS) at the University of Fribourg, a partner institution of Pluriel.
Résumé
Le débat public sur les musulmans en Suisse est caractérisé dans une large mesure par des enjeux de problématisation et de sécuritisation. Dans ce débat, les imams sont devenus un sujet de plus en plus fréquent, perçus par exemple comme ceux qui orientent les communautés musulmanes. Cet article, publié dans la revue Journal of Muslims in Europe (vol. 15, n° 2, p. 229-253) par la sociologue Noemi Trucco, examine la manière dont les perceptions et les assignations du débat public affectent l’image de soi des imams, et s’intéresse ainsi à leur subjectivation.
À partir d’une analyse de discours des médias de masse et des débats politiques en Suisse, ainsi que d’entretiens menés avec des imams, l’article reconstitue les positions de sujet qui leur sont assignées, ainsi que leurs propres positionnements. Les résultats montrent que les imams sont interpellés entre un anti-sujet (la menace) et un sujet modèle idéal, ce qui leur laisse peu de marge de manœuvre dans leur propre positionnement. Toutefois, en mobilisant le concept de mimétisme (mimicry) emprunté à Homi K. Bhabha, l’auteure suggère que les imams pourraient disposer d’une plus grande marge d’action qu’il n’y paraît à première vue.
Cet article prolonge la thèse de doctorat de Noemi Trucco, réalisée au Centre suisse Islam et société (CSIS) de l’Université de Fribourg, institution partenaire de Pluriel.
ملخص
يتّسم النقاش العام حول المسلمين في سويسرا إلى حدّ كبير بقضايا الإشكالية والأمننة. وقد أصبح الأئمة موضوعًا متكرّرًا في هذا النقاش، إذ يُنظر إليهم مثلًا بوصفهم من يوجّهون الجماعات المسلمة. تتناول هذه المقالة، المنشورة في مجلة Journal of Muslims in Europe (المجلد 15، العدد 2، ص 229-253) لعالمة الاجتماع نوامي تروكّو، كيف تؤثر التصوّرات والإسنادات في النقاش العام على صورة الأئمة عن أنفسهم، وتُعنى بذلك بمسألة تشكّل ذاتيّتهم.
استنادًا إلى تحليل خطاب وسائل الإعلام الجماهيرية والنقاشات السياسية في سويسرا، ومقابلات أُجريت مع أئمة، تعيد المقالة بناء مواقع الذات المُسنَدة إلى الأئمة، وكذلك مواقعهم الذاتية الخاصة. وتشير النتائج إلى أن الأئمة يُخاطَبون بين موقعين: موقع الذات المضادة (التهديد) وموقع الذات النموذجية المثالية، مما يترك لهم هامشًا ضيقًا للتموقع الذاتي. غير أن الاستعانة بمفهوم المحاكاة الساخرة (mimicry) عند هومي ك. بابا يوحي بأن الأئمة قد يملكون هامشًا أوسع للفعل مما يبدو للوهلة الأولى.
تُكمل هذه المقالة أطروحة الدكتوراه التي أنجزتها نوامي تروكّو في المركز السويسري للإسلام والمجتمع بجامعة فريبورغ، وهي مؤسسة شريكة لمنصة «بلورييل».
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