When Choice Does Not Matter: Political Liberalism, Religion and the Faith School Debate

Abstract

Liberal attempts to defend faith schooling have been conditional on the ability of faith schools to serve as a context for individual choice. A recent critique of these attempts claims that religious parents would find such moderate faith schooling unacceptable. This article sets forth a new liberal defence of faith schools drawing heavily on the distinction between political and comprehensive liberalism. Since political liberalism's understanding of personal autonomy does not include the ability to make choices, the political liberal defence of faith schools can accommodate denominational schools that limit the ability of students to choose or change their religion.

Groups in Context: An Ontology of a Muslim Headscarf in a Nazareth Catholic School and a Sephardic Ultra-Orthodox Student in Immanuel

“…The discussion on how to deal with internal restrictions of minority groups seeking accommodation is wide-ranging. The conflict between liberal individualist ideals and the freedom to practice one's religion in schools is central both in political and legal theory (see, e.g., Arneson and Shapiro 1996; Lipkin 1996; Macedo 2000; Dagovitz 2004; Fernández 2010). In fact, many staunch liberals believe that schooling, especially if funded by the state, should guarantee that students be provided with the proper skills and knowledge to think critically about various beliefs, including their own (McDonough 1998, 469, 476; Levinson 1999, 53).…”

Citizenship Education and Liberalism: A State of the Debate Analysis 1990–2010

“…To defenders of diversity, minorities need only be ''compatible'' with an external liberal society. Both Galston (1995) and White (2003) criticise Kymlicka's emphasis on autonomy, whereas the later John Rawls's softened standpoint on autonomy has inspired several liberals to attempt to accommodate claims for cultural protection within a liberal framework (e.g., Dagovitz 2004). …”

Rights, social cohesion and identity: arguments for and against state‐funded Muslim schools in Britain

“…In an effort to overcome Burtonwood's criticism of these attempts at reconciliation, Dagowitz (2004) introduces into the faith schools debate the Rawlsian distinction between comprehensive and political liberalism. In brief, comprehensive liberalism is a philosophical doctrine or conception of the good life based on individual autonomy and choice, and therefore excludes doctrines that do not support these values.…”

“…He argues that personal autonomy, as it is understood by political liberalism, does not presuppose an individual's ability to choose their religion, way of life or conception of the good. Faith schools therefore do not need to serve as a context for individual choice in order to be compatible with liberal educational aims (Dagowitz 2004). According to Dagowitz, 'strong' religious schools, which are incompatible with comprehensive liberalism, can therefore be accommodated under political liberalism.…”