From the Periphery to the Centre: A Sociological Analysis of the Transformation of African American Muslims with Specific Reference to the Imam W. Mohammed and Minister Louis Farrakhan Communities

Authors : Nuri TINAZ

Pages : 55-84

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Publication Date : 2005-07-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This paper examines sociologically the evolution of an ethno-religious, nationalist and political movement, the Nation of Islam (NOI). It critically analyzes the journey of a social movement and its evolution and transformation in the course of its history. Thus the study attempts to examine how and why a social, ethno-religious and political movement changes and transforms its radical, political and economic teachings and policies once it reaches a high level and has institutionally established itself in a society. It analyzes what kind of factors influenced the change in direction of the teachings and policies of the movement, as well as its external and internal relations with both the surrounding society and the infrastructure, which played a crucial role in the movement's establishment. Consequently the movement has moderated its teachings, policies and objectives, eventually becoming a part of established mainstream society.
Keywords : periphery, center, ethnicity, race, religion, Islam, social and political movements, interactional relation