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Is it true that religion is weakening in modern times, or are we facing religious resurgence? What is fundamentalism? How does it emerge and grow? What role does religion play in ethnic and national conflicts? Is religion a fundamental driving force or do political leaders use religion for their own purposes? Do all religions oppress women? These are some of the questions addressed in this book. An Introduction to the Sociology of Religion provides an overview of sociological theories of contemporary religious life. Some chapters are organized according to topic. Others offer brief presentations of classical and contemporary sociologists from Karl Marx to Zygmunt Bauman and their perspectives on social life, including religion. Throughout the book, illustrations and examples are taken from several religious traditions. Contents: Foreword; Sociological perspectives on religion; Religion as a phenomenon - definitions and dimensions; Classical sociologists and their theories of religion; Religion in contemporary sociology and cultural analysis; The great narratives: modernity, postmodernity, globalization, and secularization; Religion in the public sphere; Individual religiosity; Religious organizations and movements; Religion, social unity, and conflict; Race, ethnicity, and religion; Religion and gender; Sociology, theology, and religious faith; Bibliography; Index. Dr Inger Furseth is a Professor in the Department of Sociology and Human Geography at the University of Oslo. She is the author of A Comparative Study of Social and Religious Movements in Norway 1780s-1905 (2003, Mellen Press). Her research centres on religious diversity, gender issues, social theory, and social and religious movements. Dr PÃ¥l Repstad is Professor in Sociology of Religion at Agder University College, Norway. He has conducted research and published in the fields of sociology of religion, social policy, and sociological methods. He is also the editor of Religion and Modernity. Modes of Co-Existence (1996, Scandinavian University Press).

The growing emphasis on the hijab among Muslim women has resulted in scholarly attention to the issue of Islamic dress for women. This article, based on life stories from Muslim immigrant women living in the Los Angeles area, compares the use of and discourse about the hijab among covered and uncovered women. Three questions are posed: 1) Which themes are found in the discourses of the women who wear the hijab? 2) What inspired them to cover? 3) Which themes are found in the discourses of the women who do not wear the hijab? The narratives show how religious teachings frame identity formation. Specifically, the hijab is used as a symbol to draw boundaries between different groups of Muslim women that are related to inclusion and exclusion in the Muslim community. However, the hijab, as a symbol of community and gender boundaries, is also contested.

'From finding a research topic through to the final write up, this clear guide takes the mystery out of graduate-level research. This book will help your project succeed' -James V. Spickard, Professor of Sociology, University of Redlands, US   Just starting your Master's? Worried about your dissertation? This book is an indispensible guide to writing a successful Master's dissertation. The book begins by addressing issues you'll face in the early stages of writing a dissertation, such as deciding on what to research, planning your project and searching for literature online. It then guides you through different aspects of carrying out your research and writing up, helping you to: write a research proposal choose one or more methods write the introduction and conclusion discuss the literature analyse your findings edit and reference formulate research questions build your argument. The book offers guidance that other books often miss, from dealing with emotional blocks, to ways of identifying your strengths and weaknesses, and improving your writing. It addresses the social aspects of the writing process, such as choosing and working with an advisor, using social media and forming student work groups for added help and inspiration. Each chapter ends with an action plan, which is a resource section that features exercises and reflection questions designed to help you apply what you've read to your own work. SAGE Study Skillsare essential study guides for students of all levels. From how to write great essays and succeeding at university, to writing your undergraduate dissertation and doing postgraduate research, SAGE Study Skills help you get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills website for tips, quizzes and videos on study success!

With examples from real theses, useful action plans in each chapter and a range of practical tips that are often missed in other books, this is a step-by-step guide to help you excel in your Master′s dissertation.

The Lutheran churches of Denmark and Norway retain strong ties to the State and the Lutheran prison chaplaincy exists within the framework of the State churches in similar ways in both countries. The situation of Muslim chaplaincies is however very different in the two countries. In Denmark where general policies are not multicultural and where the relationship between State and church remains strong, the prison service has several prison imams employed and plans are to increase this further. In Norway where the relationship between church and State are moving towards a looser relationship and support for multicultural policies are stronger there are no Muslim prison chaplains.