Understanding the role of religions in development: the approach of the RAD Programme

Abstract

Recognition of social diversity and difference has, over the last few decades, had a profound impact on development theory. Concerns of the different needs, roles and experiences of various gender, disability, age, and ethnicity groups have started to shape how theorists and practitioners alike engage with development issues. Until very recently, however, the literature has been peculiarly silent on the role and place of religion. In this working paper, which introduces the University of Birmingham's state-of-the-art Religions and Development Programme (RAD), the reasons for this relative neglect of religion are explored alongside a delineation of RAD's central research questions.