Navigating Secular Ideals: A Comparative Analysis Between Positive And Negative Secularism

Olivia Kingston, St. Joseph’s College of Law, Bengaluru.

ABSTRACT

This paper aims to present a comparative analysis between positive and negative secularism in countries across the globe, and explore the varying impact that they have on their citizens and the rights that they are offered. Multiculturalism is a growing phenomenon and different governments have chosen their own approaches to dealing with it in order to promote the welfare of its citizens. The study seeks to clarify the complexities involved with these two types of secularism, as well as its implications for governance, societal cohesion, and individual liberties.

By curbing the freedom that its citizens have to publicly profess their faith, a country may intend to reduce the possibility of wedges being driven between communities. However well-intentioned these practices may be, forcing the people to remain uniform in the name of public welfare does not promote growth and open-mindedness. Diversity should be celebrated, and it is harmful to attempt to conceal the differences in people simply to maintain order in the nation.

Through this paper, the author intends to point out the benefits to allowing individuals of a country to be able to express their faith in public, and not have to hide their beliefs away in the name of peace. If the people of a country are unable to accept that their beliefs are not the only possible choice, then this points to a larger issue regarding their opinions about people outside of their own community, which can only result in more unrest in the future.