Religion, diversity, and secularities-in-practice. Accommodating Muslim pupils and preserving Danish identity in multi-ethnic Danish schools.

Abstract:

This presentation explores the ideals and practices of moderate secularism characteristic of Danish schools’ approach to Muslim pupils, Islam, and religion in general. It argues that while these reflect the Danish ‘culture of secularity’ (Wohlrab-Sahr & Burchardt 2012), explaining the differences in ‘secularities-in-practice’ between schools necessitate a look at the interactional level and institutional context. Drawing on Norbert Elias’ figurational sociology, I argue that an increase in Muslim pupils changes the webs of interdependencies in the social figuration of teachers, children, and parents in Danish schools and describe how the schools attempt to maintain institutional practices, an ideal of civilised interaction, and a Danish identity.

Corresponding text:

Gilliam, L. (2019). Secularities-in-Practice: Accommodating Muslim Pupils and Preserving Danish Identity in Multi-ethnic Danish Schools. Journal of Religion in Europe, 12(1), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1163/18748929-01201001

Chair:

Gabriella Elgenius, Professor in Sociology.