Secularism(s) in Contemporary France

Law, Policy, and Religious Diversity
1. Auflage 2023
ISBN: 978-3-031-18233-4
Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buch, Englisch, 177 Seiten, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm, Gewicht: 295 g

Reihe: Boundaries of Religious Freedom: Regulating Religion in Diverse Societies

The increasing visibility of Islam in France and the vehemence of debates about it have often contributed to narrow public perceptions of  secularism to a simplistic antireligious crusade, a misleading image disseminated by the media and politicians alike. Taking the opposite stand, this book embarks on a comprehensive effort to document the multiple areas in which French secularism plays out - in debates over “cults,” places of worship, chaplaincy services in public institutions, the recognition of associations of worship, and more -, outlining and analizing the legal paths favored by the state in the regulation of religious diversity.  While Islam has undoubtedly contributed to the reshaping of French secularism in the last decades, the book moves beyond what has come to be known as the "Muslim Question" to look at the multiplicity of challenges contemporary religious beliefs, practices, and organizations now pose to the state. David Koussens examines the main political and legal configurations of French secularism over the last thirty years through a sociological and juridical lens, in order to better document its diversity. Such a portrait emphasizes that French secularism is not a univocal phenomenon but one that appears in many guises. 

Zielgruppe

Research

Autoren/Hrsg.

Koussens, David

Fachgebiete

• Rechtswissenschaften Recht, Rechtswissenschaft Allgemein Rechtsgeschichte, Recht der Antike
• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Religionswissenschaft Allgemein Religionssoziologie und -psychologie, Spiritualität, Mystik
• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Spezielle Soziologie Religionssoziologie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Chapter 1. From “French Laïcité” to the Pluralism of French Laïcités.- Chapter 2. State Neutrality. A Challenge for Secularism.- Chapter 3. The Legal Framework of French Secularism.- Chapter 4. State Neutrality and the Common Expression of Religious Beliefs.- Chapter 5. State Neutrality and the Individual Expression of Religious Beliefs.- Chapter 6. Neutrality as a Test for All.

Über Autor(innen)

David Koussens is a full professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Sherbrooke, Canada,  where he holds the Research Chair in Law, Religion and Secularism.