Disciplining religion: the role of the state and its consequences on democracy. Issue 2 (3rd May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cesari, Jocelyne
• Is Part Of: Journal of religious and political practice. Volume 2:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 135
• Page End: 154
• Publication Date: 2016-05-03
• Subjects: Habitus -- hegemonic religion -- nation-state; Religion and politics -- Periodicals; 320.55
• DOI: 10.1080/20566093.2016.1181365
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-6093

Abstract

Abstract: This article presents the concept of hegemonic religion and its relationship with democracy. This concept entails not only a certain type of institutional relation between state and religion but, more importantly, a kind of national culture with religion at its core. Utilizing Norbert Elias's figurational sociology, this article analyses how postcolonial states have built a national habitus that plays a decisive role in the politicization of religion. It focuses on examples from Islam and Buddhism and discusses how hegemonic types of politicised religions have negative impacts on democracy.