Abstract: Les travaux sélectionnés pour cette thèse de sociologie (4 ouvrages et 14 articles ou chapitres de livre) explorent deux thématiques différentes : les familles homoparentales et le vécu de croyants homosexuels. En dépit de leur éloignement du modèle exclusif de la parenté, un père, une mère pas un de plus, les familles homoparentales inscrivent leurs enfants dans une chaîne de transmission parentale, tant culturelle que généalogique. De même, les croyants homosexuels adhèrent aux valeurs de leur appartenance religieuse même s'ils contestent la légitimité de l'autorité institutionnelle de l'Eglise ou des rabbins. Dans les deux cas, il y a à la fois ébranlement de la norme et adhésion à un modèle légèrement différent, plus inclusif. Les homosexuels deviennent parents en élargissant les représentations de la parenté. Les homosexuels croyants parviennent à intégrer leurs dimensions identitaires antagonistes en se tournant vers des églises ou des communautés plus accueillantes ou en réinterprétant les textes problématiques. Dans l'un et l'autre cas, ils contribuent à construire des modèles compatibles avec les formes nouvelles de la famille et de la socialité religieuse. Les travaux sélectionnés pour cette thèse montrent que la réunion de dimensions a priori inconciliables -homosexualité et famille, homosexualité et religion - conduit à des innovations sociales non seulement à l'échelle individuelle, mais aussi à l'échelle sociale. Les institutions, qu'il s'agisse du droit de la famille ou des autorités religieuses ne peuvent rester complètement imperméables aux évolutions sociologiques auxquelles les expériences individuelles les confrontent.
Abstract: This report outlines the context, methods, data, and findings of the Arts and Humanities Research Council funded project British Ritual Innovation under Covid-19 [BRIC-19]. The project ran from August 2020 to September 2021,
with the aim of documenting and analysing changes to British communal religious life during the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns, and of providing best practice recommendations for religious communities adapting their practice to address similar crisis situations in the future. Particular effort has been made to include data that reflects, to the extent possible, the geographic and religious diversity of Britain, by focussing on questions
of religious practice rather than on theological questions or issues of belief which are specific to faith traditions. The full context of the project, along with a detailed discussion of the research methods used, is contained in the introduction.
Abstract: Paideia - the European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden was created in 2000 as an academic and applied institute of excellence, with the mandate of working for the rebuilding of Jewish life and culture in Europe, and educating for active minority citizenship. It does this through offering an intensive one-year educational program in Jewish Studies directed at future leaders of Jewish life and inter-cultural work. Each year 20-25 participants attend the program, from both Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds and a variety of European countries. In addition to the one-year Jewish Studies Program, Paideia has also developed activities for its graduates including alumni conferences, educational weekends and Project-Incubator, a two-week summer program to support projects and social innovation across Europe. Project-Incubator was introduced as a follow-up program for alumni, but has expanded its target group beyond graduates. Since its introduction in 2006, the program has developed over 100 different projects. After several years of activity, Paideia decided to conduct an evaluation study to provide a systematic overview of the program's contributions and achievements, and identify unmet needs. The evaluation comprised a follow-up study of all graduates from 2002-2009. This reportpresents the findings of that study. The study findings showed that graduates view the Paideia program as very successful and feel that it contributed to them to a great extent. It was found that all graduates continue to be involved in Jewish activities in their countries of residence. Most report that the program has had an important impact on their professional-life career, on their pursuit of Jewish Studies and on their involvement in Jewish community activities.
Abstract: Over the past fifteen years, a revival of Jewish life has spread across Europe, one that is rooted in its 2,000-year heritage, reflects the diversity of contemporary Jewish thought and experience, and reflects the hope for a promising future.
Quietly, and in small pockets across the continent, Jewish social entrepreneurs have been experimenting with new forms of communities and organizations designed to engage a new generation of Jews, their partners and friends in meaningful Jewish experiences.
Conventional discussions of Europe often emphasise antisemitism, Jewish continuity, and anti-Israel activism. While we do not dismiss or diminish those concerns, we know that these are only part of the story. The European Jewry we know is confident, vibrant, and growing.
