Negotiating the object: Nearness, distance and the category religion in academic practice

TY - JOUR

T1 - Negotiating the object

T2 - Nearness, distance and the category religion in academic practice

AU - Johansen, Birgitte Schepelern

AU - Jeldtoft, Nadia

PY - 2012/11

Y1 - 2012/11

N2 - This article critically reflects on the presuppositions of the scholarly study of religion. It does so, by demonstrating the inadequacy of a spatial discourse that is frequently used to demarcate the scholarly study of religion from its object. This spatial discourse is based on the upholding of a sharp demarcation between religion and the academic study of religion, and between object and researcher. This boundary work implies the upholding of a self-evident (and perceived necessary) distance between researcher and object, and between religion and the academic study of religion. We argue that this spatial discourse produces an oversimplification of the researchers' relationship towards the object of study, which potentially becomes problematic in practical research situations later on. Thus, we urge, not for a rejection of distinction and distance between researcher and object all together, but rather for a heightened awareness of the contingent and negotiated character of this distinction.

AB - This article critically reflects on the presuppositions of the scholarly study of religion. It does so, by demonstrating the inadequacy of a spatial discourse that is frequently used to demarcate the scholarly study of religion from its object. This spatial discourse is based on the upholding of a sharp demarcation between religion and the academic study of religion, and between object and researcher. This boundary work implies the upholding of a self-evident (and perceived necessary) distance between researcher and object, and between religion and the academic study of religion. We argue that this spatial discourse produces an oversimplification of the researchers' relationship towards the object of study, which potentially becomes problematic in practical research situations later on. Thus, we urge, not for a rejection of distinction and distance between researcher and object all together, but rather for a heightened awareness of the contingent and negotiated character of this distinction.

KW - Faculty of Humanities

KW - academic objects, religion, academic practice, distance, nearness

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0809-7291

VL - 25

SP - 183

EP - 196

JO - Nordic Journal of Religion and Society

JF - Nordic Journal of Religion and Society

IS - 2

ER -