religious communalism

Religious communalism refers to the tendency of members within a particular religious community to prioritize their group's interests, identity, and beliefs over others. It often involves strong loyalty to one's faith, which can lead to tensions or divisions with other religious or secular groups. This pattern can influence social, political, and cultural interactions, sometimes resulting in exclusion or conflict. While religion itself promotes spiritual values, communalism emphasizes group identity, which can either foster community cohesion or contribute to societal polarization depending on how it’s expressed.