Abstract

The idea that secularism is itself a distinct ideological construct is a relatively new conceptual innovation. For the most part, it has only been in the 21st century that scholars, policymakers and practitioners have explored the proposal that, rather than constituting normal and natural reality, the ‘secular’, ‘secularity’, ‘secularization’ and ‘secularism’ are premised on distinct ideas and assumptions about the nature of ‘religion’ as a socio-political category and phenomenon, and the place of religion in politics and public life.