Pilgrimonics

Pilgrimage is influenced by a complex of religious, socio-cultural, political and economic factors. This research provides an original and systematic analyses of global pilgrimage across different sites.

Global Pilgrimage and Circuits of Exchange

We are particularly interested in the relationships between pilgrimage, religion, and economics. These unfold at several levels: individual and household aspirations and spending; travel and service provision; and expanding infrastructures and investments in pilgrimage sites due to increasing visitor numbers.

Our focus is on the diversity of Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish and Catholic communities in Birmingham (whilst also problematising the apparent fixity of these religious identities). We also explore the conceptual, material and physical mappings of pilgrimage sites in South Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Our research teams explore pilgrimage sites all connected to diverse communities in Birmingham where they hold religio-spiritual significance.