Olav Elgvin
Recent work in the sociology of minorities has explored how the concept of respectability politics might be used for casting light on Muslim elites in Europe. Originating in the research on Black social movements in the US, the argument has been that elites from minority groups will often attempt to appear non-controversial and non-threatening, so that they can get acceptance from society at large. Other studies from recent years, however, have identified other repertoires of action among Muslim elites. Building on a longitudinal case study of Muslim elites in Norway, I make the argument that these repertoires can be understood as a continuum, constituting different ways of responding to domination. Some seek refuge in their communal worlds; others engage in overt or subdued forms of resistance. The possibility of acceptance is a key factor: When respectability can pay off, they are more likely to choose respectability over resistance or refuge.