Projects / Programmes
The Challenges of Multi-Religious Society for Public School
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 5.03.00 |
Social sciences |
Sociology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| S000 |
Social sciences |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 5.04 |
Social Sciences |
Sociology |
Religious pluralism, religious freedom, religious symbols, education about religion, public school
Researchers (2)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
18350 |
PhD Aleš Črnič |
Culturology |
Head |
2018 - 2020 |
513 |
| 2. |
50790 |
Anja Pogačnik |
Sociology |
Researcher |
2018 - 2020 |
22 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The context of modern globalisation, which is periodically additionally heightened by various political, economic, and ecological crises, makes Western societies increasingly susceptible to influxes of heterogeneous groups of immigrants, whose culture and religion are often markedly different from that of the majority of the local population. This contrast is giving rise to complex and demanding social challenges, which manifest themselves in the field of public education as well – in an increasingly pluralised environment, certain old questions are being amplified, while new dilemmas are also being introduced. The proposed research project will analytically address this problem in three stages.
First, we will examine the conceptual and theoretical foundations of the complex questions pertaining to the relationship between religion and public education with an added emphasis on the growing pluralisation of European societies. By theoretically applying fundamental principles and concepts (human rights, tolerance, multiculturalism) to the chosen research question, we will examine the development and difficulties relating to the concept of secularity and neutrality in schools. We will systematically gather and examine the terms of key international documents (conventions, declarations, etc.) that are relevant to the research question.
After a preliminary conceptualisation of the problem, the second stage of the project will encompass an analytical examination of the complex influences of the growing pluralisation on the question of religious content in the public schools’ curriculum. European countries are responding to new challenges in different ways. We will perform case studies of existing contexts in chosen countries (based on conceptual and theoretical foundations and international recommendations) and then perform a comparative analysis of the various models of education about religions in public schools implemented in practice. Both elements of this stage will include an analysis of (national and international) legislation and relevant judicial practice. After the comparative international analysis we will contextualise and critically evaluate the mandatory elective subject in the last triad of Slovenian primary schools, i.e., Religions and Ethics. Analytical reflection on the subject’s formal parameters and its existing position (as well as an anticipation of its causes) should provide a sound foundation on which possible changes to the conceptualisation of the subject and other measures for its practical revitalisation can be developed.
In the third stage, we will examine the complex problem of religious symbols in the spaces of contemporary public education, which are coming to the fore with the growing pluralisation. With the advent of modern secularity and the increased pluralisation of the 21st century, the marking of school spaces with Christian symbols is not longer a forgone conclusion. Simultaneously, pupils (and to a lesser extent teachers) are increasingly frequently entering educational spaces with visible symbols of their minority religious affiliation (e.g., Muslim girls and women wearing veils), which challenges the (until recently) prevailing image of a monolithic society, as well as problematizes the principle of equality (regardless of cultural differences) ensured by modern democratic societies. We will conduct case studies of select countries and perform a comparative analysis of specific empirical situations in individual countries in line with the conceptual foundations defined in the first stage, national and international legislation, and relevant judicial practice. Finally, we will attempt to construct a typology of different models of educational systems’ attitudes toward the presence of religious symbols in educational spaces and apply it to the Slovenian context.
The principal aim of the proposed conceptual and practical comparative analyses is a formation of an academically substantia
Significance for science
The findings of the proposed research project will make significant contributions to the existing knowledge and understanding of the complex influences of increasingly pluralized Western societies on the field of public education and the challenges it faces. We will improve and actualize the existing national knowledge and with the creation of the proposed typologies contribute to the international academic comprehension of two particular aspects of the scientific field: education about religions and the issue of religious symbols in public schools. By doing so, the project will contribute to the development of national and international educational studies, as well as religious and cultural studies.
With a clear exposition of the research problem – located at the intersection of educational and religious studies – the proposed project will strive for scientific excellence based on a sound theoretical apparatus and concise methodology. The findings of the proposed project will thus contribute to the development of the above-mentioned social scientific disciplines – educational, religious, and cultural studies. The published findings of the proposed project will expand the existing scientific literature in related fields, both internationally and especially in Slovenia, where it is relatively sparse. Therefore, the publications and reports on research results will fill a particular niche in the contemporary Slovenian literature on the topic.
In addition to the scientific value of the project, the findings will have an evident practical value; the funder will be able to use the results in substantive reflections and systematic framings of regulations regarding the growing challenges posed by the cultural – and especially religious – pluralisation of the Slovenian society for the public education system.
Significance for the country
Due to the nature of the research topic, the proposed research project cannot have a direct impact on the economy, though it will influence it in important indirect and contextual ways. A deeper understanding of the complexities related to the challenges of religious and cultural pluralisation in the school system as well as (in later stages) a more effective implementation of insights on Slovenian (and especially Western) religious heterogeneity will undoubtedly contribute to more stable social circumstances, which will have an important influence on economic development as well.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2018,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2018,
final report
