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Description of  Religious Organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia (Routledge Research in Religion and Development)

113833085X epub This book explores the links between religion, states, social welfare and social change in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Building on the authors previous analysis of how religious beliefs, practices and values influence social behaviour and relationships, especially within families, this book focuses on the organisational characteristics of religions and societies. The book considers how Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Buddhist organisations working in different contexts express the religious values of charity and compassion in practical activities to improve social welfare. Drawing on extensive empirical research, the book maps the organisations involved, identifying the factors that explain their choice of activities, sources of funding and modes of organisation, and highlighting similarities and differences between the religious traditions. It considers the involvement of religious actors in school-level education, as well as in international humanitarian relief and reconstruction, and addresses the claim that religious organisations have distinctive features that give them comparative advantages. Finally, the book reviews research on the roles of religious values and organisations in resisting or promoting social change, focusing on womens movements, especially their campaigns for changes in family law, and the quest for social and legal recognition for sexual and gender minorities. Read more