Duration
04 May 2026 - 09 May 2026
Future of Religion: Religion, Migration and Economics Across Borders
Migration has always been one of the most important social processes and a driving force that shapes relationships, communities, identities and structures. The intensity of global migration is increasing (UN, 2020), which has a impacts societies, both those of origin and those of destination and transit. Estimates suggest that the number of migrants will continue to rise due to the increase in open conflicts and wars, as well as those that are protracted and frozen, yet constantly generate insecurity and new migrant flows. In addition, globalization, technological developments and digital progress are making migration easier than before. Other factors such as economic inequalities, climate change and disasters as well as demographic changes will continue to influence migrations.
Religion is an important topic in migration research: migrants "carry" their religious beliefs, traditions and identity with them, and these often differ from those they find in their new home countries. Moreover, religious institutions can be an element of reconciliation or conflict, acceptance or deepening social distance. This year, The Future of Religion course will seek to explore the mutual connection between religion and migration and particulary (but not exclusively) its economic dimension. This may refer to religion as social capital in economic integration, economic dimensions of religious institutions, religious ethics and economic practices, remittances to religious communities and institutions, religion as a factor of labor market segmentation, etc.
