Pluralistic Society Research Articles

A Multicultural Approach in Islamic Education to Increase Tolerance

This study aims to explore the application of a multicultural approach in Islamic education as an effort to increase tolerance among students. In the midst of cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity in Indonesia, Islamic education is faced with the challenge of not only forming a religiously devout person, but also respecting differences and living in harmony in a pluralistic society. This study uses a qualitative method with a literature study approach. Data were collected through observation and analysis of documents, then analyzed qualitatively to identify patterns of application of multicultural values in the curriculum, teaching, and social interaction in schools. The results of the study show that a multicultural approach in Islamic education can strengthen the attitude of tolerance among students. The implementation of values such as respect for diversity, empathy, and cross-cultural dialogue in the teaching and learning process has been proven to be able to reduce prejudice and increase cooperation between groups. However, the success of this approach is highly dependent on teacher commitment and support from educational institutions and inclusive education policies. Therefore, it is recommended that Islamic educational institutions integrate a more systematic multicultural approach in their curriculum to create a more tolerant and harmonious educational environment.

Marginal debiased network for fair visual recognition

Deep neural networks (DNNs) are often prone to learn the spurious correlations between target classes and bias attributes, like gender and race, inherent in a major portion of training data (bias-aligned samples), thus showing unfair behavior and arising controversy in the modern pluralistic and egalitarian society. In this paper, we propose a novel marginal debiased network (MDN) to learn debiased representations. More specifically, a marginal softmax loss (MSL) is designed by introducing the idea of margin penalty into the fairness problem, which assigns a larger margin for bias-conflicting samples (data without spurious correlations) than for bias-aligned ones, so as to deemphasize the spurious correlations and improve generalization on unbiased test criteria. To determine the margins, our MDN is optimized through a meta learning framework. We propose a meta equalized loss (MEL) to perceive the model fairness, and adaptively update the margin parameters by meta-optimization which requires the trained model guided by the optimal margins should minimize MEL computed on an unbiased meta-validation set. Extensive experiments on BiasedMNIST, Corrupted CIFAR-10, CelebA and UTK-Face datasets demonstrate that our MDN can achieve a remarkable performance on under-represented samples and obtain superior debiased results against the previous approaches.

Neighbourhood diversity and acculturation profiles of Mexican‐origin adolescents

AbstractMore than 20% of US youth are immigrants or the children of immigrants, and Mexicans represent the largest immigrant group. In an increasingly pluralistic society, research is needed to elucidate how risk and protective/promotive factors in immigrants' life contexts are associated with their acculturation. Within the Integrative Risk and Resilience framework, we examined the mediating role of discrimination in the association between neighbourhood diversity and acculturation strategies of 334 Mexican‐origin youth over a five‐year study (Mage = 12.80; 44.3% female). Neighbourhood diversity was computed using American Community Survey data. Perceived discrimination was self‐reported. Acculturation profiles, including transition profiles, were adopted from a previous study. Findings indicated that Mexican‐origin youth living in more diverse neighbourhoods were more likely to demonstrate an Integrated than a Moderately Assimilated profile. Over time, they were more likely to develop a Stable Integrated or Progressive than a Regressive transition profile. No mediating effect of discrimination was found. These findings imply that diverse neighbourhoods promote integrated acculturation strategies, benefiting both Mexican‐origin youth and the evolving pluralistic US society.

Accounting for <i>Hijab</i>: Interrogating the Post-Secular

This article questions the idea of the ‘post-secular’ as a category for understanding Indian women’s experience of religion as an existential practice in neocolonised capitalist patriarchy. The majoritarian state’s manipulation of an identitarian regime of signification to use and control women’s lives is located in a plural, democratic society that is currently riven by the violent politics of conflicting religious and secular constructions of <i>hijab</i>, a head covering worn by Muslim women. From an engaged ideological perspective that seeks radical transformation, feminist struggle includes the right to practice and profess one’s faith, against a majoritarian norm that bulldozes difference and imposes its prescriptions as ideal. This article aims to show, from a feminist perspective, the manipulation of significatory practices in India, linking women’s ‘dress’ with progress to essentialise and politicise identity. It questions whether redressal against violence wrought on women by religious fundamentalism can be found in a secular state policy, based on the norm of equality of difference. Feminist practice would actively use the guarantees given to the citizen by a pluralist secular constitution to challenge the violence of interlinked discriminations, necessary for the survival of a plural society in which diversities co-exist.

Bioethics and the value of disagreement

What does it mean to be a bioethicist? How should the role(s) of bioethics be understood in the context of a world of intense value conflict and polarisation? Bioethics is—in...

Secondary school students’ attitudes of tolerance towards minorities

Continued migration flows are inevitable, and research into favorable conditions for educating students in pluralistic societies is timely. This study attempts to address the operationalization of favorable conditions when educating children in diverse societies. Previous research into the contact hypothesis and acculturation theory has suggested that moderating factors are necessary for contact between groups of “others” to effect positive change in attitudes of tolerance and reduce prejudice. To represent groups of “others”, this study—which analyzed ICCS data from both the 2009 and 2016 cycles—considers lower-secondary students with an immigration background, who speak a different language than the administered assessment in the home, and diversity in terms of socio-economic background. To represent a desirable or “successful” classroom context, the study focuses on attitudes of tolerance held by lower-secondary students towards minorities, investigating whether participation in civic activities in the school or community, or the act of learning in more diverse classrooms, was associated with increased rates of tolerance. Findings supported the stated hypotheses to some extent, as some associations between heterogenous classroom composition (in terms of the share of students from immigrant backgrounds and those who spoke different languages in the home) and increased attitudes of tolerance towards minorities were observed. Student participation in civic activities in school was significantly associated with higher attitudes of tolerance towards minorities in 16 out of 18 analyzed countries. A relation between civic participation in the community and tolerance towards minorities was not found. Overall, students’ rates of tolerance towards minorities increased significantly for the majority of analyzed countries between 2009 and 2016.

A Study on Reflections of Prophetic Sīrah Discourse in Pluralistic Society: A Contextual Analysis

This research explores the evolving debates on Prophetic Sīrah discourse within pluralistic societies, addressing the critical need for a comprehensive understanding among Muslims. Recognizing the fragmented nature of previous works, which often focus on isolated aspects of the Sīrah, this study aims to provide an integrated analysis relevant to contemporary multicultural settings. Employing a qualitative, library-based methodology, the research utilizes primary sources such as the Qur'an, Hadīth collections, and classical Sīrah texts, alongside modern commentaries. Through thematic and contextual analyses, key concepts like interfaith relations, social justice, and ethical conduct are identified and examined. Critical discourse analysis (CDA) is applied to understand how Sīrah discourse is constructed and communicated across different contexts. The study reveals significant gaps in the current understanding and application of the Prophetic Sīrah, particularly regarding its relevance for Muslim minorities in pluralistic societies. It emphasizes the importance of defining key terminologies and developing an interpretive framework that aligns with the minority context. The findings underscore the urgent need to reframe the Prophetic Sīrah from a pluralistic perspective to foster peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. The study concludes by attempting to bridge the gap between traditional Islamic teachings and modern pluralistic principles, encouraging a more inclusive and peaceful community.

The Value of Pancasila as an Ideological Based for the Development of the Legal System in Indonesia

Indonesia is a multicultural society with personal and group consciousness. Legal progress in Indonesia was influenced by cultural and community awareness. Indonesia is a multicultural culture with diverse legal awareness. Although Indonesia has many cultures, the equation should be applied to construct a legal union. Pancasila is the intellectual foundation for Indonesia's unitary state; hence, passing a national law must be founded on it and the 1945 Constitution as the supreme rule to achieve national unity. This study will show that the law enacted today does not reflect Pancasila and impressed liberalism because it is draughted and enforced on the basis of normative thinking rather than empirical thinking about the case and plural society. Methodology Pancasila and culture's role in legislation that impacts the other will be thoroughly examined in this article. Thus, for the welfare of the nation and public awareness of the law, this study will explain the need for systemic and continuous legal systems that reflect the Indonesian nation, namely Pancasila-based legislation.

Re-Engaging Law and Theology: Walter Dennis and the Need for an Episcopal Church Theology and Praxis of the Law

On the question whether the Anglican Communion/The Episcopal Church has a theology of abortion, an important factor overlooked. It is the relationship between theology and law as understood in the Episcopal Church/Anglicanism. On reproductive choice, theologians, pastors, politicians, and activists rarely display an interest in the law, except on how to use it as a tool for a specific goals. I contend that the discourse on abortion (within the Church, and the body politic) would benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of the law. This practicing theology essay will introduce readers to the meaning and purpose of the law in a pluralistic and multiracial society. Through the work of William Stringfellow and Stanley Hauerwas and with special focus on the work and witness of Bishop Walter D. Dennis (Suffragan Bishop of New York 1979–1998), I seek to develop an Anglican/Episcopal synthesis for a theological praxis of the law

The developmental facets of religious harmony in India

India is a multireligious society with religious harmony. India upholds the values of secularism as the basic feature of its Constitution. Respect for other religions and their beliefs is one of the main characteristics of Indian society and the core of religious harmony. The life of each and every Indian citizen is very much rooted in their religious beliefs and practices, with true trust and confidence in constitutional values. The recent development of religious fanatism or radicalism shakes the secularistic pillar of the nation and is a threat to religious harmony. A narrow-minded attitude toward other religions creates a feeling of insecurity and fear of survival among people. This can be considered a disturbing element of religious harmony and one of the major challenges India currently faces. Legislations related to religion can be seen as a small challenge in the developmental process of religious harmony. The judiciary holds an important place in securing and promoting this harmony. Interreligious dialog is a channel through which to ensure harmony in a pluralistic society. This paper analyzes the emergence of religious concord and its applicability to the current Indian context.

Moderasi Beragama pada Tradisi Nyadran dalam Membangun Hubungan Masyarakat Plural di Desa Bungah

The reality of conflict or friction between individual and group interests in various regions. It cannot be separated from being a vehicle for society, because there are good values that the community practises. In the present context, the issue of harmony among followers of a religion remains relevant. In the meantime, local traditions are less popular, and the study of the Nyadran tradition has not received a lot of attention. The tradition of nyadran is rooted in the Dukuh Muslim community, which follows and implements it. In developing social relations in a plural society in Dukuh village, Bungah district, this dissertation examines the moderation of religion in the nyadran tradition. The research aims to analyse and discover the nyadran traditions that are carried out within the community, activities, symbols and values of religious moderation in this tradition among peoples of Dukuh Village, Bungah Gresik District. Qualitative naturalistic field research methods are used. The analysis data shall be compiled, classified, processed and the next stage is interpretation and conclusion. Data mining by means of documentation, observation and interviews. In three main formulations of activities, symbols and values, the nyadran tradition has been identified in this research. The Nyadran tradition is a tradition that strengthens the moderation of religion in aspects of local wisdom. The solidarity of the Nyadran tradition is reflected in Nyadran as a ritual. Nyadran is an important element in maintaining religious moderation and part of cultural education for communities. The meaning of education taught by Islamic religious education. This research shows that for developing social relations in a plural society there is an important role to be played by moderate Islamic education based on the culture traditions of the country.

Indonesian Islamic Theology: Understanding Exclusivism, Inclusivism, and Pluralism in the Context of Religious Plurality

In Indonesia, religious issues have emerged as a subject of intense debate and polemic. Conflicting religious claims often incite debates and hostilities purportedly in the name of faith. In certain instances, the emergence of inter-religious conflicts in Indonesia is exacerbated by exclusionary perspectives on religion. This study aims to critically examine the concept of Islamic theology within the context of Indonesia’s pluralistic society, characterized by its rich religious diversity. Employing a qualitative research methodology with a descriptive-analytical approach, this research utilizes library research to gather a variety of thematic literature. The findings indicate that Indonesia is a nation marked by significant religious plurality. In this context, Islam, as an inherently open faith, embraces inclusivism and pluralism, which serve as essential frameworks for mitigating interfaith conflicts arising from competing religious truth claims. Consequently, the promotion of inclusivist and pluralist perspectives in religion fosters a culture of tolerance, thereby facilitating a harmonious coexistence among adherents of diverse faiths.

Intercultural relations among Filipino immigrants living in Macau

As society becomes increasingly diverse over time, the interaction among different cultural groups is an essential topic in intercultural research. Berry (2017) proposed three hypotheses of intercultural relations: multiculturalism, contact, and integration, in trying to answer the question, “How shall we all live together?”. Since most studies on intercultural relations are conducted in the context of Western culture, less empirical evidence about the three hypotheses examination is drawn from the plural societies other than Western ones. Therefore, this study evaluates three hypotheses on intercultural relations with regards to Filipino immigrants in Macau, and expects to provide new empirical research support for testing relevant hypotheses on intercultural relations and enrich the existing literature. A total of 233 community samples (58.5 % females; Mage= 28.24) were recruited and employed scales from the MIRIPS questionnaire to collect data on co-ethnic contact, host contact, perceived discrimination, acculturation strategies, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Path analysis revealed that: (1) With respect to the multicultural hypothesis, perceived discrimination was positively related with integration and separation; (2) With respect to the contact hypothesis, co-ethnic contact was positively related with perceived discrimination; co-ethnic contact was positively related with integration and separation, and host contact was positively related with assimilation; (3) With respect to the integration hypothesis, integration was the most preferred strategy for the participants and was associated with better psychological adaptation (termed self-esteem and life satisfaction). These findings partially support the validity of the hypotheses. Finally, future research directions and empirical implications are discussed.

Memahami Pluralitas Kemanusiaan dalam Pandangan Axel Honneth dan Y.B. Mangunwijaya

Indonesia’s rich tapestry of religion, culture, tribe, race, and ethnicity has led to a diverse and pluralistic society. However, over time, this diversity has been scrutinized, and instances of radicalism and violence in the name of religion and belief have become more frequent. To address these issues, the perspectives of Axel Honneth and Y.B. Mangunwijaya offer valuable insights into fostering humanitarian attitudes through the adaptation process. This study employs literature review and comparative analysis methods. Findings indicate that embracing plurality with a focus on human values is crucial for cultivating personal awareness of individual dignity. This awareness is essential for bridging divides and dismantling barriers that threaten national unity. Continuous conflict will persist if differences are always viewed with suspicion rather than as a source of richness. As Mangunwijaya noted, a nation cannot mature if it perceives differences as problems rather than assets. To advance towards a mature society, human values must underpin religious teachings, as this is the path to unity and peace. Similarly, Axel Honneth emphasizes the importance of recognition in overcoming social injustices and achieving liberation.

Hubungan Agama dan Negara dalam Perspektif Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi

This article discusses Dr Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi's views on the relationship betweenreligion and the state in the context of Muslim societies. Al-Qaradhawi is an Islamic scholarwho has had a major influence on contemporary Islamic thought, particularly on issues relatedto politics and Islamic law. This article presents Al-Qaradhawi's understanding of key conceptssuch as sharia, democracy, human rights, and the role of religion in the political order. It alsoexamines Al-Qaradhawi's views on how religion and the state can interact in a pluralistic andmodern society. This research outlines the impact of Al-Qaradhawi's thought in the context ofpolitical development in the Islamic world and its relevance in facing current social and politicalchallenges.

Religious education and people’s perception on the subject: A case of selected secondary schools in Lusaka District, Zambia

Overview: Religious education plays a pivotal role globally, reflecting diverse perspectives and practices across continents. In Africa, religious education intertwines with cultural heritage, shaping moral frameworks and societal norms. The study was conducted in Lusaka district, the capital city of Zambia. Body of Knowledge: The theoretical and practical insights gained from this study contribute to enhancing understanding of the role of religious education in fostering moral and ethical development, promoting intercultural dialogue, and cultivating inclusive educational environments. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging opportunities for collaboration between schools, families, and communities, stakeholders can work towards creating inclusive educational policies and practices that respect and celebrate religious diversity. Methods: The study employed both the qualitative and quantitative methods and a descriptive survey design that sampled Head teachers, RE teachers, and Pupils of RE. The sample size for this study was 150. Data was obtained from the respondents by means of interviews and questionnaires. This study used descriptive analysis to analyze the data. Tables, graphs and pie-charts were used in combination with the use of software, MS access and MS Excel to analyze data. Results: Religious education plays a significant role in shaping students' moral and ethical values. Despite some skepticism about its relevance in a modern, pluralistic society, the majority of participants including pupils, teachers, and parents viewed religious education positively. They believed it fosters tolerance, empathy, and respect for diverse beliefs. However, there were also concerns about the potential for religious education to become doctrinal rather than educational, emphasizing the need for a balanced and inclusive curriculum that respects all faiths. Recommendation: The study highlighted the importance of training educators to handle religious education in a way that promotes critical thinking and open dialogue, rather than mere indoctrination.

FORMATION OF A PLURALISTIC SOCIETY IN KASARAGOD: A HISTORICAL STUDY

Kasaragod in the northern part of Kerala State has its own cultural background from ancient period onwards. The people of this area is still living there without considering social, religious and caste differences that may be started since the Pre-historic period. Like any other civilized society, the people of Kasaragod also very much imbibed by their traditional beliefs and ritual practices handed down from generation to generation.Politically, this region has been witnessed plenty of military conquests. The geographical features, early political conquests, religious migration and the commercial contacts paved the way for the development of a composite culture in Kasaragod. Because of the external contacts, new type of beliefs and ritual practices came into the life of the native people at Kasaragod. In the course of time, it became a meeting ground of different communities with mutual co-existence and thereby a multi-cultural society developed in the northern part of Malabar.The present study is an attempt to know the general features of Kasaragod and to discuss how a pluralistic society developed in the northernmost part of Kerala.

Religious Minority and Peaceful Coexistence: The Dynamics of the Ahmadiyya Community in Malang, Indonesia

The position of the Ahmadiyya is problematic since it claims to be a part of the Muslim community, but it is considered a deviant sect by the mainstream Sunni Muslims in Indonesia. There has been persecution and violence towards this minority. The violence towards the Ahmadiyya increased most notably after the issuance of a joint ministerial decree in 2008, which limits the activities and proselytization of the Ahmadiyya. Interestingly, although affected by the national and regional discourse on the Ahmadiyya, the Ahmadiyya community in Malang, East Java, still lives peacefully with other faith communities. By employing qualitative content analysis, the present study examines the dynamics of the Ahmadiyya as a religious minority in the context of a plural society in Malang, East Java. More specifically, it investigates two main research problems, namely the Ahmadiyya community’s agency in response to the limitation of their activities and the socio-political and socio-religious factors relatively supporting peaceful life of the Ahmadiyya community. This study reveals a distinct picture that stays in contrast to the majority of Ahmadiyya communities in Indonesia, which is often associated with discrimination and persecution.

Sharia-based Custom and the Politics of Religious Freedom in Contemporary West Sumatra, Indonesia

Strengthening religious identity politics can be identified as one of the main factors contributing to the decline in religious freedom in Indonesia. While religious identity politics may serve to mobilize certain groups or advance specific agendas, its escalation often comes at the expense of religious freedom and social harmony. Against Indonesia's pluralistic society and decentralized governance system, West Sumatra stands out for its unique blend of Islamic tradition and local adat (customary law), which often challenge the state's legal framework and constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. This article aims to analyze the impact of Sharia-based custom (ABS-SBK)-based identity politics on religious freedom in West Sumatra, focusing on government and social regulations. This study is based on data from interviews, documentation, and analysis of media reports and coverage related to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in West Sumatra, as well as a guidebook for the practice of ABS-SBK issued by the Provincial Government of West Sumatra. This article shows that identity politics based on Sharia and local customs has caused many violations of the freedom of religion or belief of minority groups in West Sumatra. In government regulation, local governments have actively enforced mainstream religious and cultural norms and limited expressions and ideas considered contrary to the mainstream. As for the aspect of social regulation, religion-based identity politics is an effective tool for majority groups in limiting the religious freedom of minority groups. Keywords: Identity Politics, Religious Freedom, West Sumatra, Sharia-based Custom, Religious Nationalism

Teaching Peace: A Blueprint for Interfaith Harmony through Cultural Programmes in Religious Institutions

This study aims to explore the role of religious educational institutions in promoting peace-building by examining the programmes implemented at Klaten Hindu Dharma College, Central Java. Specifically, it investigates how these programmes foster interfaith harmony, respect, and social solidarity in a pluralistic society. A qualitative research design with a sociology of religion approach was employed, utilising non-participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis to gather in-depth insights into the institution's peace-building practices. The research found that peace-building programmes, including Pasraman Astika Siddhi, blood donation drives, and youth exchanges, effectively promote tolerance and respect among diverse religious communities. The success of these initiatives is attributed to their foundation in Hindu teachings and local cultural values, fostering a harmonious campus environment and strengthening ties with the surrounding community. These findings suggest that religious educational institutions can play a transformative role in peace-building by integrating cultural values and community engagement into their programmes. Such institutions offer a replicable model for fostering interfaith harmony and tolerance from an early age, contributing to broader societal peace. This study provides a unique perspective on peace-building by focusing on an educational setting within a religious institution, a context often overlooked in existing literature. It highlights the potential for religious colleges to serve as agents of social harmony, addressing the challenges of interreligious conflict through culturally informed and values-based approaches.