Chapter 9 Politics and Society

Politics and religion

ETHNICITY AND POLITICS

OBJECTIVE
To discuss the issues related to ethnicity, religion and politics

Society is characterised by many social factors such as ethnicity, religion, culture, language, education etc. In a nation state and civil society, politics is much affected by these social factor.

Society

Civil Society

1. Historical Discussion

1. Definition of Ethnicity:

1. Definition of Society

  • A society is viewed as a social system with identifiable structural, cultural and political characteristics.
  • It encompasses the totality of human relationship and serves as a system of interrelationship and structures connecting individuals

2. Identifiable Group

  • Society refers to an identifiable group of people living in a specific territory.
  • This group is subject to a system of political authority and shared understandings.

3. Not Every Group is a Society

  • While every society is a collection of people in the same territorial area, not every group of people constitutes a society.
  • Certain characteristics such as a clear demarcated territory and a system of political authority, are essential for defining a society.

4. Regular Patterns of Social Interactions

  • Societies are characterized by regular patterns of social interaction, which are part of social structure.
  • Social structure refers to a usually stable set of interrelationships among various elements within society.

5. Social Divisions

  • Social divisions within a society involve groups and individuals occupying different positions.
  • These divisions reflect an unequal distribution of status, wealth, and/or power.
  • The nature of these divisions can vary and may include factors like class, race, gender, age, religion, etc.

6. Characteristics of Society:

Social Structure

Social Divisions

  • Refers to the stable set of interrelationships among elements within the society.
  • Involve groups and individuals occupying different positions, reflecting inequalities in status, wealth, and power.

7. Political Significance of Divisions

  • The political significance of these divisions varies from society to society.
  • Divisions such as class, race, gender, age and religion can play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape within a society.

Civil society

  • Classical political theorist such as Thomas Hobbes define civil society as - Humans after becoming civilized.
  • Modern usage: Associations between family and government.

Civil society refers to the space for collective action around shared interest, purposes and values, generally distinct from government and commercial for-profit actors.

Civil society includes charities, development NGOs, community groups, women's organisations, faith-based organisations, professional associations, trade unions, social movements, coalitions and advocacy groups.

  • Ethnicity refers to the sentiment of loyalty towards a distinctive population, cultural group, or territorial area.
  • The term is complex because it encompasses both racial and cultural implications.

2. Cultural Identity and Emotional Level

  • Ethnicity is commonly understood as a form of cultural identity that operates at a deep and emotional level.
  • An ethnic culture includes values, traditions, and practices, providing people with a common identity and a sense of distinctiveness, often based on their origins.

3. Historical Influence of Race and Ethnicity:

  • Throughout history, race and ethnicity have played a crucial role in determining political movements and nationalism.
  • Some ethnic groups have struggled against colonialism due to ethnic discrimination, as seen in examples like German Nazism and the Apartheid policy.

4. Role of Race and Ethnicity in Politics:

  • Ethnicity is a significant factor influencing the process of socialization, including political culture, behavior, and attitudes.
  • Political parties in certain countries, such as Malaysia, are heavily influenced by ethnic identities.
  • In the United States, voting trends can be influenced by the voices of different ethnic groups like African Americans, Whites, or Hispanics.

5. Political Identity and Ideology:

  • Ethnicity can be determinant or source of political identity and ideology in political mobilization and social movements.

6. Ethnic Politics in Plural Societies:

  • In plural or multi-ethnic societies, ethnic politics becomes crucial as a means to gain political rights and power.
  • National unity and ideology are central political concerns, and policies related to ethnicity become national priorities to maintain peace and harmony.

In summary, ethnicity involves a deep loyalty to cultural group, and it plays a significant role in shaping political movements, socialization processes, and political identities. Understanding and managing ethnicity is particularly important in diverse societies to ensure national unity and political stability

  • The relationship between religion and politics has been a subject of discussion since early years and centuries.

2. Central Questions

  • Ongoing concerns and questions often revolve around whether religion should be a part of politics or if there should be a separation between the two.
  • Key questions include determining the roles that religious institutions and the state should play in each other's spheres.

3. Influence of Religious Values

  • In political philosophy, religious values have an impact on the moral perspective of political actors.

4. Secularism

  • The principle or belief in the separation of religion or church from the state is known as secularism

5. Significance of Religion in Political Development

  • Alongside ethnicity, religion is considered one of the crucial factors playing significant roles in political development.

6. Historical Examples

  • Historical events demonstrate how religion has played a pivotal role in shaping political changes and seeking political reforms.
  • Examples include islamic revivalism in Iran during the 1970s and the influence of Islamic movements in the Middle East against Western imperialism during colonialism.

7. Global Examples

  • In the United States, a Christian political faction called the 'new Christian Rights' mobilized to change public opinion,
  • In Russia, there was a regeneration of Orthodox Christianity in the post-communist era
  • The emergence of the. Aum Shinrikyo Doomsday cult in Japan also demonstrates the intersection of religion and politics.

8. Manipulation of Religion for Political Purposes

  • Religion has been manipulated for political mobilization and to gain political mileage in various contexts, including political votes, terrorism, and militant activities.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS...?

• A situation

– In France, a law was passed that made it illegal for students to wear clothing and adornments that are explicitly associated with a religion. This law was especially opposed by students whose religion explicitly requires them to wear particular clothing, such as a hijab or a turban. The justification given by the French government was that such a measure was necessary to honor the separation of church and state, and useful for ensuring that the French citizenry is united into a whole, rather than divided by religion.

• Freedom in practicing the religion?

• Human rights issue?

• Protecting the national interest?

• Religious conflict? Clash of ideology?