Recategorisation Framework Grounded in Social Identity Theory for Promoting Religious Tolerance

Religious diversity is an increasing feature of contemporary societies, which requires effective mechanisms to enhance peaceful coexistence and social cohesion. But many attempts at religious tolerance are piecemeal and not firmly grounded in well-established social psychological theory, limiting their capacity to effect sustainable change in intergroup bias and conflict. The present research aims to develop a theory-driven framework to enhance religious tolerance through the recategorisation process within Social Identity Theory. The framework was developed through a content analysis of academic literature and an iterative framework development methodology that integrated identity processes, intergroup contact, and superordinate identity formation. The results show that the framework consistently turns identity-based divisions into shared social identities, makes intergroup interactions more meaningful, reduces bias, and encourages open-mindedness. The framework also provides structured educational guidance, encourages community-based interventions, improves reflective learning, and fosters social cohesion. The study concludes that recategorisation is a viable mechanism for promoting sustainable religious tolerance. Future research should test the framework empirically in different multicultural and multireligious settings.