Physical Religious Spaces in the Lives of Rajasthani Village Women: Religion as an analytical and practical approach in development
Tamsin Bradley
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Abstract
In this article I argue that the study of religion holds potential for analysing, evaluating and harnessing development processes, the key argument being that focus on the feelings expressed by individuals within physical religious spaces can offer insight into the perspectives of others which in turn can feed more effective communication between development partners. Generally, 'religion' is connected to the agency that shapes people's actions and perceptions of the world around them. By combining ethnographic micro techniques with a focus on religious spaces, it is possible to gain a more detailed insight into human behaviour. Such a focus can help us unravel some of the complexity of development processes and understand why change may or may not be desired in a particular area and by a specific group. Firstly, research into the work of faith-based organisations (FBOs) could look at how physical religious spaces are used by members to reflect on concepts of development and the progress of initiatives. Secondly, by locating dialogue between partners who express a faith within religious spaces, empathy is generated that cements a lasting connection. Lastly, I argue, through documenting the lives of three women from rural Rajasthan that private ritual spaces are used by some to express personal feelings. These women also responded creatively within this same ritual space to their experiences of domestic violence.