Faith in Flux: The Interplay of Neoliberalism and Religion
Faculty Mentor
Majid Sharifi
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
5-7-2024 9:30 AM
End Date
5-7-2024 9:50 AM
Location
PAT 340
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Interdisciplinary Studies
Abstract
This research analyzes the complex interplay between neoliberalism and religion, particularly Islam. There has been a significant shift towards minimizing the state's role in social welfare, which has propelled faith-based organizations (FBOs) to step in as primary service providers. This transformation has led to the commodification of welfare services, affecting how religions and FBOs operate within society.
A pivotal aspect of the research is the intricate relationship between neoliberalism and Islamic social values, especially with the rise of "'pious neoliberals" who aim to meld market-driven development with Islamic ethics repackaged as market commodities. This fusion has redefined religious authority and practices, emphasizing the importance of economic resources and entrepreneurialism within religious circles.
This paper illustrates the varied effects of neoliberalism on religion through the examples of Egypt and Turkey. In Egypt, the intersection of economic liberalism with Islamic social values has transformed religious education and the provision of social services. Conversely, in Turkey, the advent of "Islamic capitalism" and the commercialization of religious services highlight the profound impacts of neoliberal policies.
This research underscores the necessity of understanding the linkage between neoliberalism and religion to grasp the extensive societal shifts underway while emphasizing the adaptive strategies religious groups might employ in the face of neoliberal challenges.
Recommended Citation
Fliesen, Jenna L., "Faith in Flux: The Interplay of Neoliberalism and Religion" (2024). 2024 Symposium. 1.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2024/op_2024/o5_2024/1
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Faith in Flux: The Interplay of Neoliberalism and Religion
PAT 340
This research analyzes the complex interplay between neoliberalism and religion, particularly Islam. There has been a significant shift towards minimizing the state's role in social welfare, which has propelled faith-based organizations (FBOs) to step in as primary service providers. This transformation has led to the commodification of welfare services, affecting how religions and FBOs operate within society.
A pivotal aspect of the research is the intricate relationship between neoliberalism and Islamic social values, especially with the rise of "'pious neoliberals" who aim to meld market-driven development with Islamic ethics repackaged as market commodities. This fusion has redefined religious authority and practices, emphasizing the importance of economic resources and entrepreneurialism within religious circles.
This paper illustrates the varied effects of neoliberalism on religion through the examples of Egypt and Turkey. In Egypt, the intersection of economic liberalism with Islamic social values has transformed religious education and the provision of social services. Conversely, in Turkey, the advent of "Islamic capitalism" and the commercialization of religious services highlight the profound impacts of neoliberal policies.
This research underscores the necessity of understanding the linkage between neoliberalism and religion to grasp the extensive societal shifts underway while emphasizing the adaptive strategies religious groups might employ in the face of neoliberal challenges.
