Religion and Broken Solidarities: Feminism, Race, and Transnationalism

The contributors to this original volume provide a new and nuanced approach to studying how discourses of religion shape public domains in sites of political contestation and "broken solidarities." They argue that religious discourse cannot be separated from national, racial, gendered, and other ways of belonging, making it difficult for different minoritized groups to see how their struggles might benefit from engagement with one another. The four chapters examine accusations of antisemitism and anti-Muslim racism in the Womens March in Washington, DC; the failure of feminists in Iran and Turkey to realize a common cause due to nationalist discourse; Black Catholics seeking to overcome the problems of modernity in the West; and the disjunction between the Palestinian and Mizrahi cause in Palestine/Israel.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press

The contributors to this original volume present a fresh and intricate perspective on analyzing how discourses of religion shape public domains in contexts of political contention and "broken solidarities." Our public discourse is permeated with persistent and complex debates concerning religion, race, gender, and nationalism. These debates encompass a wide range of issues, such as Muslim women and headscarves, Palestine/Israel, and global anti-Black racism, among others. We require innovative thinking to navigate the challenging questions that these debates raise for social justice and solidarity across diverse lines.

In Religion and Broken Solidarities, the contributors offer insightful reflections and wisdom to guide our approach to these questions with profound ethical commitments, intersectional sensibilities, and intellectual rigor.

Religion and Broken Solidarities explores the role of religious discourse in unrealized moments of solidarity between marginalized groups that ostensibly share similar objectives. The contributors argue that religion cannot be divorced from national, racial, gendered, and other forms of belonging. These modes of belonging create barriers for different minoritized groups to recognize how their struggles can be mutually beneficial through engagement with one another. The book comprises four chapters that interpret historical and contemporary events through a critical lens. These chapters examine accusations of antisemitism and anti-Muslim racism during the Women's March in Washington, DC; the failure of feminists in Iran and Turkey to forge a common cause due to nationalist discourse surrounding religiosity and secularity; Black Catholics seeking to navigate the challenges of modernity in the West; and the disjuncture between the Palestinian and Mizrahi cause in Palestine/Israel. Collectively, these analyses demonstrate that overcoming constraints and fostering solidarity require a nuanced understanding of the interplay between religion, identity, and political contexts.

The contributors to this volume employ a diverse range of methodologies, including historical analysis, ethnography, and critical discourse analysis. They draw upon a wealth of empirical evidence to illustrate their arguments and provide a rich tapestry of insights into the complex dynamics of religion and solidarity.

Religion and Broken Solidarities is a valuable resource for scholars, activists, and policymakers interested in understanding the role of religion in shaping public domains and promoting social justice. It offers a timely and thought-provoking contribution to the ongoing debates about religion, identity, and politics in contemporary society. By challenging traditional narratives and promoting a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of these issues, the book contributes to the development of more effective strategies for promoting solidarity and addressing the challenges facing marginalized groups.

In conclusion, Religion and Broken Solidarities provides a groundbreaking and insightful exploration of the complex relationship between religion, identity, and political contexts. Through its powerful insights and innovative methodologies, the book offers valuable guidance for navigating the challenges of promoting social justice and solidarity in a world characterized by persistent and complex debates about religion, race, gender, and nationalism.

Weight: 302g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780268203863