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The Sociology of Religion
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The Sociology of Religion
A Critical Agenda

Second Edition


January 2013 | 328 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Why is religion still important? Can we be fully modern and fully religious?

In this new edition, Davie follows up her discussion of the meaning of religion in modern society and considers how best to research and understand this relationship. Exploring the rapid movements within the sociology of religion today, this revised and updated book:

• Describes the origins of the sociology of religion

• Demystifies secularization as a process and a theory

• Relates religion to modern social theory

• Unpacks the meaning of religion in relation to modernity and globalization

• Grasps the methodological challenges in the field

• Provides a comparative perspective for religions in the west

• Introduces questions of minorities and margins

• Sets out a critical agenda for debate and research

The Sociology of Religion has already proved itself as one of the most important titles within the field; this edition will ensure that it remains an indispensable resource for students and researchers alike.

Preface to the Second Edition

 
Preface to the First Edition

 
 
Introduction: A Critical Agenda
 
PART ONE: THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES
 
Common Sources/Different Pathways
 
Secularization: Process and Theory
 
Rational Choice Theory
 
Modernity: A Single or Plural Construct?
 
Methodological Challenges
 
PART TWO: SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES
 
Mainstream Religions in the Western World
 
Minorities and Margins
 
Demanding Attention: Fundamentalisms in the Modern World
 
Globalization and the Study of Religion
 
Religion and the Everyday
 
Conclusion: Revisiting the Agenda

The book aptly captures the current debates and essence of the sociology of religion. It is a conceptually, empirically and theoretically grounded text.

Dr Emeka Dumbili
Sociology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University
July 5, 2017

Gives a concise understandable view of the field of study.

Dr Charles Thomas
Persons, Society, Culture, Interdenom Theological Center
January 13, 2015

Very interesting book written by a well-known sociologist of religion. The book discusses the principal anthropological/sociological theories and concepts. It is essential for undergraduate, master and PhD students and research projects on this field.

Professor Donizete Rodrigues
Department of Sociology, University Beira Interior
August 12, 2014

I highly recommend this book for its critical analysis of religion, the methodological challenges it addresses in the sociological study of religion, the theoretical and changing perspectives of religion and its focus on religion and the everyday.

Dr Sonya Sharma
Criminology and Sociology, Kingston University
March 26, 2014

Good overview of religion outside of U.S. context.

Professor Lori Fazzino
Sociology Dept, University of Nevada - Las Vegas
November 18, 2013

Excellent introductory text for beginners to the sociology of religion.

Ms Jessica Marshall
Department of Education and Social Science, University of Central Lancashire
August 16, 2013

Excellent book on the area of Religion and Sociology!

Nigel Downes
Faculty of Health, Sport and Science, Glamorgan University
February 14, 2013

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Paperback
ISBN: 9781849205870
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ISBN: 9781849205863
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