Secularism and Ethnic Minorities: Comparative Case Studies on Ethnic, Religious, and Political Cognitions in Pakistani-Controlled Kashmir, Central Russia, Romania, and Northern Scandinavia

According to my study, “political secularism” means the separation of political power from religious institutions, while “social is a theory and endeavor eliminate religiosity not only public but also private life, considering it an obsolete way thinking. I examine four case studies based on ethnological fieldwork in Hunza (in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir), Middle Ural (Russia), Transylvania (Romania), Sápmi (northern Scandinavia). outline compare ethnic minorities (Hunzakuts, Tatars, Szeklers, Samis) according their historical background, contemporary social environment, relation majority, endeavors, role religion(s) among them. Based notes, interviews, sociological data, analyze similarities differences complexity, terminological confusions, problems “lived religion,” impact secularism. Since differs majorities’ ones, found that secularism has complex reception. Political essential for defending these assimilation, most reject since religion part multifunctional discourse space. Religiosity survival strategy. Notwithstanding, minorities’ institutions participate activity propagate claims self-governance.