Linda Woodhead to receive an honorary doctorate
Linda Woodhead works at King’s College London. She will receive the award at Malmö University’s Annual Academic Ceremony on 16 October.
Linda Woodhead, a sociologist of religion, is to be awarded an honorary doctorate by the Faculty of Education and Society. The citation specifically highlights her contribution to the understanding of the role of religion in modern society.
Woodhead’s research has focused on issues of secularisation, diversity, contemporary spirituality, and women’s religiosity. She has been based at King’s College London since 2021.
“It is an honour to be granted the award by a university that has such a strong reputation for innovation and research, and where I have met many excellent colleagues in recent years,” she says.
In its citation for the award, the Faculty of Education and Society states that Linda Woodhead is well suited to receive an honorary doctorate thanks to her research profile and international reach. She is also described as a future source of inspiration for academic development at the faculty.
Plans to continue the research collaboration
“Woodhead has made an important contribution to our understanding of the role of religion in modern society. She has also conducted didactic research in the field of religious studies that is highly relevant to our teacher training programmes,” says Manon Hedenborg White, associate professor in the history of religion.
Woodhead has spoken at research events organised by Malmö University and has also collaborated with researchers affiliated with the faculty. The plan is to continue the research collaboration on alternative spirituality and its societal significance in Europe.
“Her appointment is also important for our work on internationalisation. Through her extensive international network and research collaborations, new opportunities are created for our researchers and PhD students,” says Malin Thor Tureby, head of research at the Department for Society, Culture and Identity.
To receives the award at the annual ceremony
Woodhead is currently advising the UK government on how the teaching of religion and spirituality should be updated in English schools. She has also conducted research into sexual abuse in religious contexts.
On reflecting what other questions need to be further explored in the field, she says:
“There is still a great deal to be done when it comes to how older forms of religion – such as the established churches – coexist with alternative forms of spirituality, and how public institutions take account of the growing influence of the latter.”
Woodhead will receive the award at Malmö University’s annual academic ceremony on 16 October.
