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

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.