A New Model of Religious Conversion

Beyond Network Theory and Social Constructivism
X, 238 Pp. Auflage 2014
ISBN: 978-90-04-26498-4
Verlag: Brill

Buch, Englisch, Band 14, 230 Seiten, Format (B × H): 160 mm x 236 mm, Gewicht: 499 g

Reihe: Religion in the Americas

Based on the analysis of 52 conversion narratives to various religious groups, A New Model of Religious Conversion utilizes case studies for comparison of converts' backgrounds, network influence, and conversion narratives. The author convincingly illustrates a "fit" between the converts' background and the religion they convert to, such as between disorganized family backgrounds and highly structured religions. Conversely, those from highly structured backgrounds often convert to more "open" groups. The book also makes it clear that not all conversions are influenced by networks or align themselves with a social constructivist view of a conversion as an "account." Taking converts' trajectories seriously, the author makes a strong case for the application of biographical sociology to the study of conversion and (American) sociology overall.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Jindra, Ines W

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Spezielle Soziologie Religionssoziologie
• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Religionswissenschaft Allgemein Dialog & Beziehungen zwischen Religionen
• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Religionswissenschaft Allgemein Religionssoziologie und -psychologie, Spiritualität, Mystik

Über Autor(innen)

Ines W. Jindra, Ph.D. (2005), is currently a Visiting Scholar at the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana. She has published articles on religious conversion and religious development, and most recently on religious conversion from a sociological perspective. Besides religion, she is interested in qualitative research methods, biographies, poverty, and urban issues.