"Den andre" och populärkultur i religionsundervisning: utmaningar och möjligheter

Abstract

This article explores the role of popular culture in shaping representations of "the Other" within religious education, focusing on its potential to both enrich and challenge pedagogical practices. Based on interviews with sixteen upper secondary school teachers and classroom observations, the study highlights how popular culture can connect students' everyday experiences with complex theoretical concepts while addressing challenges such as reinforcing stereotypes and perpetuating Eurocentric perspectives. The findings demonstrate strategies teachers use to navigate these challenges, including contextualizing content and fostering critical media analysis. These approaches encourage students to critically engage with representations of "the Other" and promote cultural awareness. The article argues that diversifying educational materials to include non-Western perspectives fosters a more inclusive learning environment and strengthens students' critical thinking skills.