We are happy to announce that SSAB member Sofia Nikitaki (KU Leuven Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies) has successfully defended her PhD thesis on Monday, 3rd July 2023, in Auditorium Wolfspoort in Leuven. The doctoral dissertation is titled “Living a Nonreligious Life: A Qualitative Empirical Exploration of Nonreligion in Belgium, Greece, and Norway,” and was supervised by Prof. Dr. Annemie Dillen.
Sofia's dissertation delves into the intricate world of nonreligion in Europe, focusing into an in-depth understanding of the experiences and perspectives of nonreligious individuals living in three culturally distinct cultural contexts: Belgium (Flanders), Greece, and Norway. Through a qualitative, cross-cultural analysis of 64 semi-structured interviews with participants from these three backgrounds, the research provides an overview of the complexities surrounding nonreligion in a European setting while paying special attention to its social, cultural, and personal dimensions.
By exploring the contexts of Belgium, Greece, and Norway, this work provides valuable insights into the various cultural and societal factors that influence the formation and expression of nonreligion and reveals the multifaceted nature of nonreligion in contemporary European societies. Furthermore, the dissertation challenges traditional and normative narratives in the study of theology and religious studies along with highlighting the importance of recognizing and understanding diverse belief systems within the field of academic theology and the study of religion.
For more information on her research and other (academic or not) contributions to the field, feel free to email Sofia at sofia.nikitaki@kuleuven.be, follow her art account on Instagram and, of course, stay tuned for forthcoming publications!
