Quotidian expressions of religiosity: examining ethno-religious diversity in the everyday lives of contemporary Bosnians and Herzegovinians

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper investigates religious and secular social greetings as a prism through which to view contemporary ethnic identity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This study employs comprehensive surveys and one-on-one interviews with experts representing the three dominant ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Data relating to religious social greetings were gathered from over 230 individuals. SPSS was used to analyze survey responses, while interview data were transcribed and coded thematically. The paper finds that social greetings play a varied role among the different ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with processes of de-secularization shaping the use of particular greetings among Bosniaks and Croats. The paper concludes that religious social greetings continue to color contemporary social identity in Bosnia and Herzegovina society, both in private and public spheres of life.