Abstract
Differences between Muslims and non-Muslims are often discussed by Western scholars in relation to how they interpret family, parenting and gender roles and, more generally, differences in terms of compatibility with Western liberal values. Drawing on biographical interviews held in Italy (2010–17) and Belgium (2018–21) with mixed couples where the man has a migrant Muslim background and the woman a native Christian one, this chapter aims to: (1) explore the relevant social dimensions where masculinity is central to identity formation; and (2) analyse the ways these men perform and construct their gender identities in the European context. The findings contribute to the study of Muslim masculinities in Western countries by demonstrating: (1) that masculinity in particular symbolic moments (e.g. marriage) needs to be validated by the family networks of both spouses; (2) that the men are required to constantly prove their loyalty to their family of origin and to their partners by performing different breadwinner masculinities; and (3) that the link between masculinity and religious affiliation is central in Muslim homosocial interactions. The missing transmission of Islam to their children is often perceived, by other Muslim men, as a sign of a 'weakened masculinity'.
