Problem
Religious discrimination in education
Other Names:
Discriminatory effects of denominational educationActive religious prejudice in schools
Imposition of religious education
Nature:
Religious education may be the means whereby religion gains influence in political matters or over society at large. It usually involves segregation according to denomination, serves to reinforce existing prejudices, and may ultimately lead to discrimination, conflict and even war.
Incidence:
Denominational education exists world wide and is particularly important for Islam, Christianity and Judaism. It may be the main source of education and therefore be equated with prestige, making many converts for this reason and thus being a foundation for nationalism and other political policies. It may have an influence on the law. Religious teaching in schools is a matter of controversy in Western industrialized countries, especially where immigrant populations prefer religious teaching in their own traditions, rather than those of the host country.
In the case of Christianity, for example, most new catechisms and religious instruction books have no section on the basic beliefs of other religions. A vast majority of Christians do not gain insight in the spirituality and ethics of others.
Broader Problems:
Religious discriminationDenial of education to minoritiesUndue religious influence on secular life Related Problems:
Compulsory indoctrinationReligious discrimination in politicsDenial of right to educational choiceInadequate integration of religions into societyReligious discrimination in the administration of justice Strategies:
Providing religious educationReducing religious discrimination in educationReducing discrimination in education Subject(s):
Education → Education Education → Schools
Religious Practice → Churches
Religious Practice → Religion
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
D: Detailed problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST