Hederlig, respektabel och miserabel : En kvalitativ intervjustudie av svenska muslimers uppfattning och erfarenheter av hedersrelaterat förtryck och våld

The aim of this study is to capture the perception of Muslims in Sweden in regards to experiences of honor related oppression and violence. Additionally, particular focus is given to Muslims’ thoughts in Sweden on how they are portrayed in Swedish media reports of honor related oppression and violence. A qualitative study was conducted through six interviews with Muslim Swedes in order to express their views, thoughts and experiences of honor related oppression and violence, as well as their opinions on how the Swedish media depicts Muslims with respect to this subject. The empirical findings have been interpreted and analyzed in light of three theoretical frameworks in addition to previous research on honor related oppression and violence. The results of this study indicate that all informants believe that honor related violence and oppression amount to limitation and control over women’s lives. Majority of informants with experience of oppression linked to honor all claim that such oppression is due to culture and honor. Contrastingly, the participants strongly dismiss and denounce Islam as being the contributing factor to honor related oppression and violence. However, results suggest a dissimilitude amongst participants as one of the informants suggests that religion is manipulated to reinforce and justify power structures that allow oppression and violence, which stem from honor, to continue to exist. Moreover, the study reveals that the informants believe that the Swedish media has a tendency to present Muslims as perpetrators of crimes related to honor related violence and killings. The informants call for a distinct definition of honor related oppression and violence, which includes all forms of violence against women.