In various regions around the world, certain religions tend to be in the minority, often leading to social tensions and conflicts. For example, in predominantly Muslim countries like Egypt or Saudi Arabia, religious minorities such as Christians (Copts and Catholics) often face discrimination and persecution, historically exemplified by incidents like the 2011 Alexandria church bombing. In India, where Hinduism is the majority, the significant presence of Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians has led to communal violence, including the infamous 2002 Gujarat riots. Similarly, in the United States, where Christianity is the dominant faith, minority religions like Judaism, Buddhism, and Islam sometimes experience social exclusion or discrimination, sparking conflicts over religious freedom and representation, as seen in post-9/11 backlash against Muslim communities. Such conflicts often arise from political power struggles, cultural misunderstandings, and the fear of losing social identity or religious hegemony, exacerbated by nationalistic sentiments and historical grievances.
Twenty-seven percent of the world’s population lives in a country where their religion is in the minority. Explain which religions are more likely to be in the minority in different areas, giving at least three examples, and explain why conflict may arise in these areas, giving historical examples. Your response should be a paragraph in length.
(4 points)
1 answer
1 answer