Since the second half of the 20th century, Western societies have become culturally, religiously and ethnically more diverse. This is a by-product of the massive waves of migration observed after World War II and more recently when the Eastern bloc fell down. This growing diversity has also paved the way for Southern European countries to gradually turn into global societies.
Immigrants bring with them the cultural features of their countries of origin. Some of these cultural features are rooted in ethnicity and religion. As a rule, immigrants’ religious identities are different from their host country’s mainstream religion. Traditionally Roman Catholic, Southern Europe is watching today to the proliferation of other religious groups, among them, Islamic, Eastern Christian, and neo-Pentecostal groups from Africa and Brazil.
When religious differentiation arises in conjunction with ethnicity, immigrant’s identity is reinforced. Moreover, the sense of community usually pervades minorities, most notably, the migrant minorities. The territory where the believers meet enhances the group's position within the religious field, making it more visible in society. This is a key strategy for the group’s recognition in the public sphere.
Having become plural spaces, our societies tend to underestimate the effects of diversity. They are far more concerned with the issue of social integration rather than with that of social identities reconstruction in society as a whole, often ignoring that today religion manifests itself as a plurality of religions.
Conference sessions will be held in English.
