The Asian Gang Revisited: Changing Muslim Masculinities

The Asian Gang Revisited is a groundbreaking ethnography by Claire Alexander that explores the creation of Asian Muslim masculinities in South London. The book follows the lives of a small, diverse cohort of men from their teenage years through to their early-mid 40s, examining education, employment, friendship, marriage, fatherhood, and religious identity. It offers an intimate, rich, and textured account of what it means to be a Muslim man in contemporary Britain.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In her groundbreaking ethnography titled "The Asian Gang," published in 2000, Claire Alexander delved into the intricate tapestry of Asian Muslim masculinities in South London. Set against the backdrop of the moral panic surrounding "Asian gangs" in the mid-1990s, this profound work emerged after five years of immersive ethnographic fieldwork. Through its pages, Alexander explored the very essence of "the gang," the profound connections forged through friendships, and the pivotal role of "brothers" in the formation, performance, and negotiation of ethnic, religious, and gendered identities.

Now, in "The Asian Gang Revisited," Alexander takes us on a captivating journey, picking up the story of "the Asian gang" over the subsequent two decades. This sequel delves into the evolving identities of the original participants as they gracefully transition into adulthood, grappling with the heightened public and political scrutiny surrounding Muslim masculinities. Spanning the era of the War on Terror, the emergence of "grooming gangs," and the pervasive climate of Islamophobia, the book offers a poignant exploration of education, employment, friendship, marriage, fatherhood, and religious identity.

What sets this longitudinal study apart is Alexander's enduring relationships with the men, spanning over 25 years. Through her deep connections, the book unravels the intricacies of their lives, tracing their journey from their teenage years to their early-mid 40s. It provides an intimate, rich, and textured account of what it means to be a Muslim man in contemporary Britain, offering a profound insight into the complexities and nuances of their experiences.

"The Asian Gang Revisited" is a testament to Alexander's unwavering commitment to understanding and documenting the lives of marginalized communities. It sheds light on the experiences of Asian Muslim men, challenging stereotypes and providing a nuanced portrayal of their lives. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of anthropology, sociology, and gender studies, offering a valuable lens through which to examine the intersection of race, religion, and masculinity in modern society.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350384132