Religious Organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia: Connections to Society and the State

This book explores the links between religion, states, social welfare, and social change in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, focusing on the organizational characteristics of religions and societies. It examines how Muslim, Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist organizations express religious values in practical activities to improve social welfare, and considers their involvement in school-level education, international humanitarian relief, and resisting or promoting social change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 05 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate connections between religion, states, social welfare, and social change in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Building upon the author's previous exploration of the profound influence of religious beliefs, practices, and values on social behavior and relationships, particularly within families, this book takes a deeper dive into the organizational aspects of religions and societies. It examines how Muslim, Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist organizations, operating in diverse contexts, express their core religious values of charity and compassion through practical initiatives aimed at enhancing social welfare. Through extensive empirical research, the book meticulously maps the organizations involved, identifying the factors that shape their chosen activities, funding sources, and organizational structures. It highlights both similarities and differences between these religious traditions, shedding light on their engagement in school-level education, international humanitarian relief, and reconstruction efforts. Furthermore, the book critically examines the claim that religious organizations possess unique characteristics that grant them comparative advantages. Finally, it reviews scholarly research on the roles of religious values and organizations in fostering or resisting social change, with a particular focus on women's movements, particularly their campaigns for reforms in family law and the pursuit of social and legal recognition for sexual and gender minorities.

The book's extensive coverage of two subcontinents in the Global South and multiple significant religious traditions will captivate researchers and students in the fields of sociology, international development, religious studies, anthropology, and area studies. Moreover, it will be of immense value to policymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance their understanding of the complex social, cultural, political dynamics at play, as they endeavor to develop effective strategies for promoting social welfare and fostering positive social change.

Weight: 730g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138330856