What evidence on whose terms? Policy-relevant religion or belief research
Book chapter
Weller, P. 2025. What evidence on whose terms? Policy-relevant religion or belief research. in: Woodhead, Linda, Cadman, Louisa and Graham, Nicole (ed.) Messy Methods in Researching Religion London Oxford University Press (OUP). pp. 342-353
| Authors | Weller, P. |
|---|---|
| Editors | Woodhead, Linda, Cadman, Louisa and Graham, Nicole |
| Abstract | This chapter explores a range of key methodological and methods issues in religion or belief research and evidence- based policymaking. The issues involved might be summarized by the questions ‘What evidence?’ and ‘On whose terms?’. They are explored with reference to two research projects led by the author. The projects were on ‘Religious Discrimination in England and Wales’, which was contracted with the UK Government Home Office (1999– 2001); and on ‘Religion and Belief, Discrimination and Equality in England and Wales: Theory, Policy and Practice 2000– 2010’, which was funded by the UK Arts and Humanities and Economic and Social Research Councils (2010– 2013). The issues explored include working within contractual constraints and pre-set terms of reference; handling relationships with community representatives and with politicians, civil servants, and government in- house research staff; disseminating research results through the media; and working through ethical issues as scholars, citizens, and individuals involved in research of this kind. |
| Keywords | religion; belief; evidence; methods; methodologies; policy-making |
| Page range | 342-353 |
| Year | 2025 |
| Book title | Messy Methods in Researching Religion |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press (OUP) |
| Place of publication | London |
| ISBN | 9780191790355 |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1093/9780191790355.001.0001 |
| Web address (URL) | https://corp.oup.com/ |
| File | License All rights reserved (under embargo) File Access Level Restricted |
| Output status | Published |
| Publication dates | |
| Online | 10 Apr 2025 |
| 06 May 2025 | |
| Publication process dates | |
| Deposited | 17 Apr 2025 |
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