Religion in the Primary School

Religion and its relationship to schooling is an issue that has become more and more topical in recent years. In many countries, developments such as the diversification of state school sectors, concerns about social cohesion between ethnic and religious groups, and debates about national identity and values have raised old and new questions about the role of religion in education. Whilst the significance of this issue has been reflected in renewed interest from the academic community, much of this work has continued to be based around theoretical or pedagogical debates and stances, rather than evidence-based empirical research.

Peter J. Hemming is a lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at Cardiff University, UK, where he teaches sociology of education and childhood studies. Peter's research interests include children and young people, schools, power and identity, faith-based education, citizenship studies and sociology of religion. He is also a former primary school teacher.