Religion in Sociological Perspectives - 4th edition

Summary: This text is a highly sociological view of religion and as such stresses theoretical perspectives about religion. The text also focuses on the methodology that sociologists have used to study religion. Keith Roberts states that his own preferred approach is open systems theory, which he says focuses equally on structure and dynamics. Other texts may lean toward the religious studies end of the market, but Roberts is a true sociology text.

Benefits: ...show more

• NEW!-A new box on "Doing Research on Religion" stresses the great emphasis the author places on conducting sociological research into the issues surrounding religion.
• The text focuses on methodology, especially rational choice theory.
• Each chapter begins with a chapter outline followed by a series of questions which help guide the student through the chapter and alert them to what they should be focusing on as the read.
• Ccritical thinking questions are interspersed throughout each chapter aimed to make students active learners and reinforce the material they have just read.
• A chapter summary concludes each chapter to prepare while at the same students for upcoming exams.
• Rare among sociology of religion texts, this book is well illustrated with provocative photos, numerous figures, up-to-date graphs, data and tables.
• NEW!-Each chapter has been revised with a special emphasis on globalism. These unique views into issues concerning religions around the globe will give students a broader sense of acceptance of world religions. For example, issues concerning the middle-east and Islam are included throughout the book where appropriate.
• NEW!-A new box entitled "Global Perspectives" draws comparisons to American religious life with parallel trends in other parts of the world. This unique feature enables students to see applied examples from around the globe.
• NEW!-Expanded theoretical coverage has been included throughout - especially rational choice theory.
• NEW!-Material on televangelism has been re-conceptualized with a focus on the marketing of religion.
• NEW!-New chapter opening inquiry questions, entitled "Questions to Ponder as You Read this Chapter", prepare students to become active readers.
• NEW!-The section on cognitive developmentalism has been removed and will be found on the Book Companion Web Site.
• NEW!-This new edition is now in paperback form, making it more affordable; while at the same time enhancing the Book's Companion Web Site for additional value.
• The emphasis on a highly sociological view of religion that stresses theoretical perspectives unlike most sociology of religion texts, which are more overviews of religion and are not very sociological.

Edition/Copyright: 4TH 04
Cover: Paperback
Publisher: Wadsworth, Inc
Published: 07/09/2003
International: No

View Table of Contents

Part One: INTRODUCTION TO THE SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION.

1. What Do We Mean by the Term Religion?
2. A Scientific Perspective on Religion.

Part Two: THE COMPLEXITY OF RELIGIOUS SYSTEMS: INTEGRATION AND CONFLICT.

3. The Role of Religion in Society: Two Macro Perspectives.
4. Religious Experience, Symbol Systems, and World Views.

Part Three: BECOMING AND REMAINING FAITHFUL.

5. Conversion and Commitment.

Part Four: FORMATION AND MAINTENANCE OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.

6. Emergence and Viability of Religious Movements: Charisma and Its Routinization.
7. Survival of Religious Movements: Mobilization of Resources and Plausibility of the World View.
8. Analysis of Religious Groups and Organizations: Church, Sect, Denomination, and Cult.

Part Five: RELIGION AND SOCIAL INEQUALITY.

9. Religion and Social Stratification: Interactive Process.
10. Social Stratification and Religious Ideology.

Part Six: RELIGION AND PREJUDICE: RACISM AND SEXISM.

11. Religion and Prejudice: Christianity and Racism.
12. Religion and Prejudice: Christianity, Gender, and Sexism.

Part Seven: SOCIAL CHANGE AND RELIGIOUS ADAPTATION.

13. Secularization: Religion in Decline or in Transformation?
14. The Marketing of Religion.
15. Alternative Forms of Religion.
16. Religion and Globalization.

Other Editions of Religion in Sociological Perspectives:

Religion in Sociological Perspective - 5 edition

ISBN13: 978-1412982986