Marriage conclusion in Belgian Muslim families : navigating transnational social spaces of normativity

This article examines multiple normative frameworks that shape rules and expectations for marriage conclusion among Muslim families in Belgium and highlights how women in particular understand and navigate these norms. Among these frameworks, particular attention is given to Islamic normative discourses, which frequently originate in a transnational public space, but are at the same time locally situated. The article is based on fieldwork conducted in Belgium with different religious actors on the one hand, and interviews and focus groups with mainly female members of Belgian Muslim families on the other hand. The data stems from a broader research on non-state family practices and dispute resolution among families of migrant origin living in Belgium