2015 SSSR Conference on “Pluralization of Religions, Cultures, and Research Methods in an Era of Globalization”

Pluralization of Religions, Cultures, and Research Methods in an Era of Globalization

Globalization, the increasingly rapid and extensive processes of movements of people, capital, and culture, is reshaping religion and society. Religious and cultural pluralization confronts individuals, groups, and states with new challenges to maintain boundaries and preserve unity. To address changing contexts, researchers of religion are adopting a variety of new research methods.

The theme of the 2015 SSSR conference focuses on these phenomena of pluralization and globalization and welcomes scholars to address contexts in which many “sacred canopies” are now plausible, state control of religion is less feasible, and the transnational ties of religious groups have thickened and extended. In addition, new sources of data have pushed scholars to use new research methods employing spatial techniques, “big data,” or mixed methods.

Proposals for panels and papers on any topic in the scientific study of religion are welcome. However, we especially invite proposals that address the pluralization of religion and culture in a period of globalization. Suggested topics include studies of:

· the impact of globalization and pluralization on religious practices or institutions in North America, Europe, the Mideast, Asia, Latin America, and Africa;

· the impact of local cultural groups or institutions on global religious practices;

· how the state addresses the increasing number of imported and newly-forming religions;

· how states, groups, and individuals have dealt with the rise of new religious practices due to immigration and transnationalism; and

· topics that make use of new types of data and research methods.

All session and paper proposals must be submitted via the on-line submission system of the SSSR’s web site, www.sssrweb.org, which opens January 15, 2015. A session proposal requires: 1) session proposer’s full contact information; 2) a session title; and 3) an abstract of not more than 150 words describing the goal of the session and how the session will contribute to the scientific knowledge of religion. Individual paper proposals require the name(s) of the author(s), first author’s full contact information, an abstract of not more than 150 words that succinctly describes the question(s) motivating the research, the data and methods used, and what the paper expects to contribute to the knowledge or understanding of religion.

Newport Beach, California offers the largest recreational harbor on the west coast, with miles of aquatic sports activities, as well as stunning natural parks and coves. The city is also notable for several religious reasons. The Jesus People Movement of the 1960s started here. In addition, Newport Beach’s St. James Church generated publicity for leaving the Episcopal Church over its ordination of the first openly gay bishop and for joining an African branch of the Anglican Church.

Submissions Open: February 2, 2015 (see http://www.sssrweb.org)

Submissions Close: March 31, 2015

Decision Notification: April 30, 2015

Please direct questions to: Carsten Vala, Program Chair (cvala@loyola.edu)