Values, Religions and Education in Changing Societies

Education is a societal matter and takes place in relation to societal changes. Today in many countries it has to grapple with diversity and differences, brought about by migration and changes in gender relations. Questions of values, human rights and the role of religions are raised. §In this book scholars from Sweden, Norway, Germany, Great Britain, Canada, Namibia and South Africa discuss the issues above. Differences between the countries but also similarities come to the fore. A North-South dialogue begins between the different contributors. Among the questions addressed are:§Can the Scandinavian countries be understood as more religious than their up-to date seemingly secularist reputation has revealed? How do some European, Muslim, Christian and secular pupils understand the religious education they receive? Could a global citizenship education, with a gendered understanding as an integral part, be accomplished? Diversity and social justice what does it take to theoretically integrate these two crucial parameters in education, in South Africa, and in Sweden?§The role of religious and values education under changing circumstances is enlightened through the diverse contributions. The hegemony of a Western understanding of democracy and other values are also challenged. The purpose of this is to ask for what could now globally constitute common ground for human beings.