Beyond Piety and Politics: Religion, Social Relations, and Public Preferences in the Middle East and North Africa

The book "Beyond Piety and Politics" explores the complex and nuanced attitudes of devout Muslims toward democracy and economics, arguing for the relevance of four outlook categories: religious individualist, social communitarian, religious communitarian, and post-Islamist. It reveals how intrafaith variation in political attitudes is not due simply to doctrinal differences but is also a product of the social aspects of religious association operating within political contexts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2022
Publisher: Indiana University Press

In Muslim-majority societies, how do ordinary men and women develop religion-informed perspectives on political issues like democracy and economics?

Beyond Piety and Politics offers a groundbreaking exploration into the diverse political attitudes held by individuals who identify as pious Muslims. By analyzing survey data on religious preferences and behavior, the authors argue for the relevance and significance of four outlook categories: religious individualist, social communitarian, religious communitarian, and post-Islamist. These categories serve as a framework for examining the complex and nuanced perspectives of devout Muslims toward topics such as democracy and economic distribution.

The study reveals that intrafaith variation in political attitudes is not solely driven by doctrinal differences but also by the social aspects of religious association within political contexts. It sheds light on how religious devotion shapes individuals' perceptions and interpretations of political issues, influencing their support for or opposition to certain policies and institutions.

By highlighting the dynamic societal and political implications of religious devotion, Beyond Piety and Politics provides a fascinating new theoretical perspective on Islam and politics. It challenges traditional notions of religious conservatism and secularism and offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between religion, politics, and social dynamics in Muslim-majority societies. This book is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between religion and politics in the modern world.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253060532