The Muslim Brotherhood: Generation Gap in the Post-January 25 Period

Abstract

Using a sociological approach focusing on the generational interplay within the Muslim Brotherhood, this study tries to expose the movement’s internal dynamics. Specifically, the paper investigates the visions and conceptions of the younger generation following the events of January 25, 2011 regarding a number of topics including: organizational hierarchy and decision-making processes, the culture of obedience, the problem of religious outreach (da’wa) and politics, the position on political-party life, and the challenge of revolution and reform. The study uses semi-structured interviews with members and ex-members of the Brotherhood. In light of the dearth of academic work examining the internal dynamics of the Muslim Brotherhood, the study relies on selected biographies and video recordings of the movement’s members. The sample was selected on the basis of two criteria: the member’s position or their own experience inside or outside the Brotherhood and the dichotomy between conservatism and revolution; in other words, it was based on the extent of acceptance or rejection of the Brotherhood’s discourse and its leadership, the result of which points to differences among the youth within the Brotherhood when it comes to vision, cultural makeup, and political experience.