Crafting "Public Religions" in an Age of Competitive Multiculturalism: School Textbooks and Religious Identity Politics in the United States

Ein Vortrag von Frau Dr. Amandine Barb

Im Rahmen des Kolloquiums zur Geschichte der Neuzeit (19. und 20. Jahrhundert) referiert Frau Barb zum Thema “Crafting "Public Religions" in an Age of Competitive Multiculturalism: School Textbooks and Religious Identity Politics in the United States”. Der Vortrag findet am Mi, 9.1.2019, um 18.15 Uhr im Raum KTh III statt.

Abstract:
This presentation examines how religious minorities in the United States - Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs - have made the integration of chapters dedicated to their faith into school textbooks a crucial part of their identity strategies in recent years. As they attempt to gain recognition and to assert themselves within the American "competitive multiculturalism”, these groups have increasingly tried to control and influence the way their beliefs and traditions are represented in history and geography courses. Accordingly, textbooks provide minority faiths with a unique medium to accustom generations of citizens with their beliefs, but also to display an attractive public image of their religion, by countering stereotypes and emphasizing the compatibility of their values with those of American society, for instance. The presentation thus explains how textbooks have become central to the identity politics of religious minorities and investigates their mobilization strategies. But it also addresses their limitations, as these groups face challenges and resistance, notably from conservative Christians.