About the Book

Religion in Sociological Perspective introduces students to the systems of meaning, structure, and belonging that make up the complex social phenomena we know as religion. Authors Keith A. Roberts and David Yamane use an active learning approach to illustrate the central theories and methods of research in the sociology of religion and show students how to apply these analytical tools to new groups they encounter.

Table of Contents:
Preface About the Authors PART I: INTRODUCTION TO THE SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION Chapter 1. What Do We Mean by the Term Religion? Substantive Definitions Functional Definitions A Symbolic Definition Invisible Religion Lived Religion Spiritual but Not Religious? The Concept of Religion as Employed in This Text A Final Word About Definitions Summary and Looking Forward Chapter 2. Historical Development of the Sociology of Religion The Classical Era The Secularization Paradigm New Religious Developments New Paradigms Neosecularization Theory Future Prospects Summary and Looking Forward Chapter 3. A Social Scientific Approach to Studying Religion The Sociological Approach to Studying Religion Summary and Looking Forward PART II: RELIGION IN THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS Chapter 4. Becoming and Being Religious Religious Socialization and the Intergenerational Transmission of Religion Religion Over the Life Course Being Religious Religious “Nones” Summary and Looking Forward Chapter 5. Conversion, Switching, and Apostasy Conversion, Brainwashing, and the New Religious Movements Process Models of Conversion Religious Choices and Commitments: A Rational Choice Model Religious Switching Apostasy Summary and Looking Forward PART III: ORGANIZING RELIGION Chapter 6. Churches, Sects, Denominations, and “Cults” Charisma and the Charismatic Leader The Routinization of Charisma Classifying Religious Organizations The Church–Sect Typology Denominationalism and the Denominational Society Beyond Denominations? New Religious Movements, a.k.a. “Cults” Summary and Looking Forward Chapter 7. Congregationalism and Congregations Denominations and De Facto Congregationalism Congregational Demography What Do Congregations Do? Megachurches Multi-Site and Networked Religious Organizations “New Paradigm” and “Seeker” Churches Summary and Looking Forward PART IV: RELIGION, SOCIAL DIFFERENCE, AND INEQUALITY Chapter 8. Religion, Economics, and Social Class Religious Ethics and Economic Action The Prosperity Gospel and Modern Capitalism Religion and Work Religion and Social Class Stratification Summary and Looking Forward Chapter 9. Religion and Race Religion and Racial/Ethnic Prejudice The Racialization of Religious Groups Religion in the African American Community Racial Segregation in Congregations Explaining Congregational Racial Segregation Race/Ethnicity and Religious Affiliation Summary and Looking Forward Chapter 10. Religion and Gender Religion as a Gendered Social Institution Gendered Religious Organizational Structures Gendered Patterns of Religiosity Negotiating Gender in Religious Communities Gender Beyond Women Gender Beyond Male and Female Summary and Looking Forward Chapter 11. Religion and Sexualities Religion, Heteronormativity, and Homonegativity Religious Divisions Over Same-Sex Marriage LGBTQIA+ Clergy Controversies Congregational Responses to Sexual Diversity LGBTQIA+ Religious Identities and Practices Summary and Looking Forward PART V: SOCIAL CHANGE AND RELIGION Chapter 12. Religion Outside the (God) Box Religion and the “Old” Media Religion and the “New Media” Religion and Sport Other Manifestations of Religion Outside Traditional God Boxes Summary and Looking Forward Chapter 13. Religion, Social Stability, and Social Conflict Religion Functions to Provide Meaning and Belonging Religion and Legitimation of the Social Order Religion and Social Conflict Religion: Opiate or Stimulant? Summary and Looking Forward Chapter 14. Globalization and Religion Globalization of Religion The Impact of Globalization on Religion Transnational Religious Connections Glocalization of Religions Religion in Global Affairs Summary and Looking Forward Bibliography Name Index Subject Index