, Declaration
I have read and understood the UvA rules regarding fraud and plagiarism
[http://student.uva.nl/binaries/content/assets/studentensites/uva-studentensite/nl/az/
regelingen-en-regulations/fraud and plagiarism scheme-2010.pdf?1283201371000]. I have
understood the AI rules that apply tot his course. I declare that this essay is entirely my own
work, that I have carefully and correctly indicated all the sources I have used, and that I have
quoted according to the rules. I have not previously submitted parts of this essay, in this or an
amended version, for another subject or as part of another essay.
Assignments
1. Based upon the discussion we have had and the articles we have read, how do you
evaluate the triangle religious-spiritual-secular, both in emic and in etic terms? Base
yourself on the readings, mentioning page numbers.
Emic
Fedele and Knibbe introduce ‘spirituality’ as a third term in a ‘gendered
triangle’, since this category seeks to navigate the tension between religion and
secularity while also developing an alternative, often gender-conscious mode
of self-formation.1 The tension they identify in emic perspectives between
religion and secularity lies in the connotation that the secular self is rational
and neutral, whereas the religious self is seen as irrational and emotional. 2
Spirituality is understood here as a privatized, individualized, and experience-
oriented religiosity, as also noted by Streib and Hood.3 In short, the emic
perspectives view religion primarily as an adversary, as Ammerman argues,
while at the same time refusing to accept the disenchanting nature of
secularity.4
Etic
The gender perspective in Fedele and Knibbe’s model adds an etic layer,
showing how women are often perceived as emotional and irrational, and
therefore predisposed toward religion; a perception revealing the gendered
1
Fedele and Knibbe 2020, 3.
2
Fedele and Knibbe 2020, 5.
3
Streib and Hood 2011, 442.
4
Fedele and Knibbe 2020, 1.
1
I have read and understood the UvA rules regarding fraud and plagiarism
[http://student.uva.nl/binaries/content/assets/studentensites/uva-studentensite/nl/az/
regelingen-en-regulations/fraud and plagiarism scheme-2010.pdf?1283201371000]. I have
understood the AI rules that apply tot his course. I declare that this essay is entirely my own
work, that I have carefully and correctly indicated all the sources I have used, and that I have
quoted according to the rules. I have not previously submitted parts of this essay, in this or an
amended version, for another subject or as part of another essay.
Assignments
1. Based upon the discussion we have had and the articles we have read, how do you
evaluate the triangle religious-spiritual-secular, both in emic and in etic terms? Base
yourself on the readings, mentioning page numbers.
Emic
Fedele and Knibbe introduce ‘spirituality’ as a third term in a ‘gendered
triangle’, since this category seeks to navigate the tension between religion and
secularity while also developing an alternative, often gender-conscious mode
of self-formation.1 The tension they identify in emic perspectives between
religion and secularity lies in the connotation that the secular self is rational
and neutral, whereas the religious self is seen as irrational and emotional. 2
Spirituality is understood here as a privatized, individualized, and experience-
oriented religiosity, as also noted by Streib and Hood.3 In short, the emic
perspectives view religion primarily as an adversary, as Ammerman argues,
while at the same time refusing to accept the disenchanting nature of
secularity.4
Etic
The gender perspective in Fedele and Knibbe’s model adds an etic layer,
showing how women are often perceived as emotional and irrational, and
therefore predisposed toward religion; a perception revealing the gendered
1
Fedele and Knibbe 2020, 3.
2
Fedele and Knibbe 2020, 5.
3
Streib and Hood 2011, 442.
4
Fedele and Knibbe 2020, 1.
1
