Religiosity and Recognition, 1st ed. 2021 Multiculturalism and British Converts to Islam Palgrave Politics of Identity and Citizenship Series

This book argues that multiculturalism remains a relevant and vital framework through which to understand and construct inclusive forms of citizenship. Responding to contemporary ethnic and religious diversity in European states and the position of religious minorities, debates in multiculturalism have revitalized discussion of the public role of religion, yet multiculturalism has been increasingly challenged in both political as well as academic circles.

With a focus on Britain and through a study of the narratives of British converts to Islam, this book engages in debates centered around multiculturalism, particularly on the issues of identity, recognition, and difference. Yet, it also identifies and interrogates multiculturalism?s shortcomings in relation to specifically religious identities and belonging.

In a unique and innovative analysis, this book combines a discussion of multiculturalism in Britain with insights from political theology. It juxtaposes multiculturalism?s concepts of ethno-religious identity and recognition with the notions of religiosity and hospitality to offer a new perspective on religious identity and the implications of this for thinking with and about multiculturalism and multicultural social and political relations.

Chapter 1: Introduction: Multiculturalism and Religion.- Chapter 2: Converts in Multicultural Context.- Chapter 3: Multiculturalism and the Multi-Religious Challenge.- Chapter 4: Resituating Religiosity.- Chapter 5: Religion, Culture and the Stranger.- Chapter 6: Being Made Strange: Dislocated, Functionalised and Refused.- Chapter 7: Unusual Multicultural Subjects: On Being British, On Being Muslim.- Chapter 8: Islamophobia and Religiosity: Religion, ‘Race’ and Ethnicity.- Chapter 9: Hospitable Multiculturalism.- Chapter 10: Conclusion.- Index.

Dr. Thomas Sealy is Research Associate in the Centre for the Study of Ethnicity and Citizenship at University of Bristol.

Engages in debates centered around multiculturalism, particularly on the issues of identity, recognition, and difference

Combines a discussion of multiculturalism in Britain with insights from political theology

Identifies and interrogates multiculturalism’s shortcomings in relation to specifically religious identities and belonging