| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Lefebvre, Solange
;
Montero, Paula
;
Woodhead, Linda
;
Borges, Guilherme
;
Marten, Annegret
;
Leyva, Karel J.
Total Authors: 6
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION; v. N/A, p. 21-pg., 2025-05-21. |
| Abstract | |
This article examines the evolving role of religion in public, state-funded schools in Brazil, England, and Canada-three countries where Christianity has historically dominated. It focuses on how religious education (RE) addresses growing diversity. After outlining the historical state-religion relationships shaping contemporary policies, the study draws on new data to analyse how each country's educational system responds to religious and secular pluralism. We identify different national strategies, including incorporating a broader range of religious traditions, emphasising non-religious worldviews, or shifting RE towards ethics, citizenship, and cultural education. These variations are explained by historical trajectories, stakeholder competition, and policy concerns over citizenship, national identity, and social cohesion. Theoretically, the article highlights how RE reflects broader tensions in liberal democracies between fostering civic values, embracing pluralism, and promoting individual autonomy. Finally, it provides a case study of secularisation in RE, illustrating competing educational and political priorities in diverse societies. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 23/16295-1 - Religious Education in Brazil and Canada: Confessional, plural, or multicultural? |
| Grantee: | Guilherme Borges Ferreira Costa |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor |
| FAPESP's process: | 21/14038-6 - Religious pluralism and diversities in post-constituent Brazil |
| Grantee: | Paula Montero |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Projects - Thematic Grants |
| FAPESP's process: | 22/13618-1 - Religious Education in Brazil and Canada: Confessional, plural, or multicultural? |
| Grantee: | Guilherme Borges Ferreira Costa |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral |