The 7^th Annual Conference of East Asian Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (EASSSR)

Korea University, Seoul, Korea

July 18^th to 19^th, 2025

Religion and Citizenship in the Asian Context: Theory, Practice, and Trends

CALL FOR PAPERS

Citizenship is a legal status and identity that signifies a person’s membership in a particular nation-state. It encompasses a range of rights and responsibilities, and can be understood through several key dimensions, including legal status, identity and belonging, political participation, naturalization, and social and economic integration as well as globalization and dual citizenship.

Religion plays a significant role in shaping individual and collective identities. It fosters a sense of belonging and community among its adherents, influencing their participation in civic life and their sense of citizenship. In many countries, religious belief and practices are intertwined with laws and political systems, affecting citizens’ rights and responsibilities, particularly regarding religious freedom and discrimination. While religion can facilitate social integration by providing a framework for moral and ethical behavior that are aligned with civic duties, it can also create barriers when beliefs or practices conflict with secular laws or societal norms. The intersection of religion and citizenship often involves gender dynamics. Religious doctrines can shape gender roles and expectations, which in turn affect women’s and LGBTQ+ individual’s participation in public life and their access to equal citizenship.

Religion can have positive impacts on citizenship, fostering a sense of community, moral responsibility, and civic engagement. The transcendental orientation of religion can promote global community consciousness and values such as humanity, peace, and global justice which, in turn, can drive global-level civic engagement and action through international solidarity and cooperation. Other benefits include building community, providing moral and ethical guidance, inspiring volunteerism and charity, promoting social harmony, encouraging civic participation, offering support during crises, advocating for human rights, and preserving cultural heritage and traditions. However, religion can also have negative impacts on citizenship, such as the exclusion and discrimination of those who do not share the same faith. Religious differences can lead to conflict and violence, both within and between communities. In some cases, religious groups may attempt to impose their beliefs through laws and policies, resisting progressive social changes, such as human rights of minorities. Additionally, religion can be exploited as a tool for political manipulation, where leaders harness religious sentiments to gain power or suppress dissent.

You are invited to submit your abstract to the 2025 EASSSR Annual Conference. Topics of interest for submission include, but are not limited to:

1. Historical influences of religion on citizenship in East Asia
2. Secularism and religious practices
3. Religion and political systems
4. Religious freedom and state control
5. Religion, citizenship, and moral values
6. National identity and religion
7. Religion and social harmony
8. Modern challenges to religious practices
9. Interfaith dialogue and citizenship
10. Religion, education, and citizenship
11. Religion, citizenship and secularism
12. Comparative studies of religion and citizenship
13. Religion and human rights, including LGBTQ+ rights
14. Religion as either a resource or a barrier for active citizenship
15. Impact of religious festivals and rituals on civic life
16. (Global) civil religion and (global) citizenship

Keynote Speaker

To be Announced.

Conference Venue

Venue: Korea University, Korea

145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea

Official Website: https://www.korea.edu/sites/en/index.do (English)

Contact: Professor Hyongchol Kang (anoldcity@khu.ac.kr)

** More detailed information on accommodation and transportation will be announced by our host before conference registration.

DEADLINES

• Paper presentation proposals are due by March 31, 2025.
• Please submit your paper’s title, abstract (300 to 500 words), and personal information by clicking here:
  Submit Abstract and Register for EASSSR 2025 Conference.
• Notification of acceptance of paper presentation proposals will be sent out by the end of April. Then you can pay any fees on the EASSSR website.

Fees

EASSSR Membership Fee

• Regular Members: US$50 (one year) / $90 (two years) / $130 (three years)
• Student Members: US$30 (one year) / $50 (two years) / $70 (three years)

Conference Registration Fee:

• Regular Members: US$120 / Regular non-member US$170
  Student Members: US$70 / Student non-member US$100

Abstract Submission Form