- Convenors:
-
Hannah Kristine Lunde
(University of Bergen)
Anna Niedźwiedź (Jagiellonian University)
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- Discussant:
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Simon Coleman
(University of Toronto)
- Formats:
- Panel
- Network:
- Network Panel
Short Abstract
This panel focuses on pilgrimage and its various engagements with conflict(s). Pilgrimages can trigger conflicts and reinforce polarising situations. They can also be used as healing practices, innovative conflict-solving tools and lateral movements going across polarised forces.
Long Abstract
Pilgrimages have been long studied through a lens of contestation. Fights and competitions between various groups of pilgrims, wars and borders stopping or diverting the pilgrims’ movements, abuses and conflicts within and outside pilgrimaging groups can be analysed as mirroring a growing polarisation of societies in various parts of the world. However, pilgrimages also appear as movements going across the conflicts. They can be created as healing practices, journeys embracing individuals from across the ‘borders’. These pilgrimages are sometimes formed as political or bottom-up social movements. There are also ecumenical, interreligious or areligious initiatives, which often consciously contest and challenge polarisations.
In this panel we aim to look at diverse pilgrimages and their various connections with conflict(s). We are especially interested in the lateral dimension and penumbral zone of pilgrimage (see Coleman 2021). The concept of laterality gives space for unexpected, ambiguous, spontaneous engagements with pilgrimage. It emphasizes that pilgrimages are not only connected with those who see themselves as ‘pilgrims’, but also with those who are observers, tourists, commentators (also in social media), hosts, onlookers, or passers-by. How does this lateral zone of pilgrimage work within polarised societies? Does it reinforce polarisation, or does it propose narratives and practices possibly crosscutting the polarising divisions?
Given these perspectives, we propose to analyse various religious, political, social, economic, geographical contexts as well as various scales on which pilgrimages (and conflicts) are debated and lived. Ethnographically grounded studies are welcome, as well as those focussing on a broader social analysis.