Do Religious Schools Hinder Children's Autonomy?
This week we look at religious schools. Is it ok to limit students' exposure to diverse viewpoints and encourage a form of conformity that undermines their ability to form their own independent beliefs? What rights do parents have to decide?
UCL Uncovering Politics · Adam Swift, Emily McTernan
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Show Notes
Today, we’re diving into the complex and often contentious world of religious schools. Are they a threat to social cohesion and tolerance, or are they simply an expression of parental rights and freedom of religion? Some argue that religious schools may indoctrinate children or isolate communities, while others insist parents should be free to raise their children in accordance with their deepest values — including their faith.
So who's right? And what should this mean for public policy — especially in terms of how states regulate and fund religious education?
To help us think about these questions, we're joined by Professor Adam Swift, a leading philosopher of education and parenting, and co-author of a new book exploring these very issues.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Clayton, M., Mason, A., Swift, A. with Wareham, R. (2024). How To Think About Religious Schools: Principles and Policies.