Events

CHAIRPERSON

Prof Kenneth Dean, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore

ABSTRACT

In this talk, I argue that transnational social protection (TSP) is becoming the norm in the context of globalization, heightened mobility and neoliberalism, but cannot be understood without addressing its religious components. TSP differs significantly from national welfare state regimes which place the responsibility for providing social support firmly on the shoulders of the state. In contrast, TSP regimes involve multiple actors and opportunities in origin and receiving states and place much of the onus for social protection on individuals and families. My talk will focus on how religious and state actors work together to develop TSP in the Italian, Mexican Filipino, and Indian contexts. I will explore the multiple, often-conflicting economic, social, and political work that religiously-driven social protection efforts are expected to do.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Peggy Levitt is Chair of the sociology department at Wellesley College and an Associate at Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs. She is also the co-founder of the Global (De)Centre. Her most recent book, Artifacts and Allegiances: How Museums Put the Nation and the World on Display, was published by the University of California Press in July 2015. Peggy has received Honorary Doctoral Degrees from the University of Helsinki (2017) and from Maastricht University (2014). She was recently a Robert Schuman Fellow at the European University Institute (2017-2019) and a Distinguished Visitor at the Baptist University of Hong Kong (2019). Her books include Religion on the Edge (Oxford University Press, 2012), God Needs No Passport (New Press 2007), The Transnational Studies Reader (Routledge 2007), The Changing Face of Home (Russell Sage 2002), and The Transnational Villagers (UC Press, 2001).

REGISTRATION

Registration has closed, and instructions on how to participate in this webinar has been shared with registered attendees. Please write to arios@nus.edu.sg if you wish to attend the talk.