Waveland Press - Meredith B. McGuire

In this insightful examination of religions in their local and global context, the author shows how analyzing religion’s social context helps us understand individuals’ lives, social movements, national and ethnic politics, and widespread social changes. Well-researched and theory-based, the text is filled with intriguing anecdotes, empirical data, thought-provoking discussions of both mainstream and nonofficial religions, and historical and contemporary examples that illustrate the interplay between religion and society across cultures.

This volume takes an integrated approach to examining religion and includes cross-cultural, historical, and methodological viewpoints. Readers will learn to identify the complex interactions between religion and societal contexts, as well as the ways in which these interactions shape individuals, communities, national politics, and the world.

“Very interesting and thought provoking.” — Angela Wadsworth, University of North Carolina

“McGuire provides a thoroughly readable, in-depth investigation of the social aspects of religion.” — Michael Nielsen, Georgia Southern University

“A very useful text that exhibits both perceptive analysis and enlightening commentary.” — George Alcser, Marygrove College

“McGuire’s text is accessible and comprehensive—perfect for an upper-division undergraduate course!” — Emma Bailey, Western Mexico State University

1. The Sociological Perspective on Religion
The Religious Contours of a Community / The Nature of the Sociological Perspective / Defining Religion / Aspects of Religion / The Development of the Sociology of Religion

2. The Provision of Meaning and Belonging
Religion and Systems of Meaning / Crisis of Meaning / Community and Religious Belonging / Extended Application: Millenarianism and Dualism in Contemporary Social Movements

3. The Individual's Religion
Shaping the Individual's Religion / Conversion / Commitment / Disengagement

4. Official and Nonofficial Religions
The Official Model of Religion / Structural Shifts in Official Religion / Individual Religiosity in the Official Model / Researching Official Religion and Religiosity / Nonofficial Religion and Religiosity / Historical Perspectives: The Social Construction of "Religion" / Popular Religion in Modern Societies / Individual Religiosity in the Nonofficial Mode / Researching Nonofficial Religion and Religiosity / Extended Application: Women's Religion and Gender Roles

5. The Dynamics of Religious Collectives
Religious Groups in Relation to Their Social Environment / Religious Orientation / How Religious Collectivities Develop and Change / Extended Application: Emerging Religious Movements

6. Religion, Social Cohesion, and Conflict
Religion and Social Cohesion / Religion and Social Conflict / Extended Application: The Conflict in Northern Ireland

7. The Impact of Religion on Social Change
Factors in Social Change / Religion Supports the Status Quo / Religion Promotes Social Change / Factors Shaping the Interrelationship of Religion and Social Change / Extended Application: African-American Religious Worship

8. Religion in the Modern World
Four Narratives in the Sociology of Religion / Interpreting Modern Societies / Religion, Power, and Order in the Modern World / The Sociology of Religion in the Modern World