Globalization and Religion
Dr. Nanda is a philosopher of science with an interest in the role of religion in civil society. She spoke at the India International Centre in Delhi on the growth of nationalistic and politicized religion in India in the face of globalization.
Contrary to what sociologists predicted, globalization has not weakened the role of religion in India. Nanda documented the growth of religious devotion in India’s middle class: the increasing wealth of temples, the accreditation of religious schools, the influence of religious teachers, the use of non-traditional healing, the invention of new rituals, and the growing use of astrology.
Nanda believes that the Middle Class’ increased interest in religion fuels a nationalistic and politicized form of religion that is increasingly replacing the role that secular institutions once played in civil society. She also believes that the roles of government, corporations, and religious institutions are fusing together to serve the Middle Class’ religious aspirations.
Listen to an audio clip of Nanda’s thesis:
Leave a Reply
Blog at WordPress.com. Theme: Duotone by Automattic.
