Purpose
The study investigates how two Swedish kindergartens balance maintaining non-denominational (secular) education while considering traditions related to the preparation and celebration of Christmas, particularly Advent. The study focuses on how these traditions, rooted in Lutheran Christianity, are managed within an educational context that is legally required not to promote any specific religion.
Result
The results show that although the kindergartens strive to remain neutral regarding religion, they still participate in activities that subtly uphold traditions rooted in Lutheran Christianity. This approach creates a situation in which non-denominational teaching coexists with a form of cultural Christianity, which in turn contributes to a Swedish identity associated with these traditions.
Design
The study used a qualitative method consisting of ten video-recorded observations from two Swedish kindergartens. The observations focused on how the kindergartens dealt with Advent traditions, with a specific focus on the balance between maintaining a non-denominational (secular) pedagogy while recognising cultural and religious traditions associated with Christmas. The data were analysed using Ninian Smart’s dimensions of religious and secular worldviews.
References
Puskás, T., & Andersson, A. (2023). A secular Advent. Waiting for Christmas in Swedish preschools. British Journal of religious education, 45(2), 100–111.
Online year: 2022
Issue year: 2023
Review year: 2022
Financed by
The Swedish Research Council, Sweden