- Cadge, Wendy; Peggy Levitt and David Smilde. “De-Centering and Re-Centering: Rethinking Concepts and Methods in the Sociological Study of Religion.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. Vol. 50, No. 3 (Sept. 2011): 437-49.
- Hayford, Sarah R. and Jenny Trinitapoli. “Religious Differences in Female Genital Cutting: A Case Study from Burkina Faso.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. Vol. 50, No. 2 (June 2011): 252-71.
- Peifer, Jared L. “The Economics and Sociology of Religious Giving: Instrumental Rationality or Communal Bonding?” Social Forces. Vol. 88, No. 4 (June 2010): 1569-94.
Sociology and social work: About the discipline
The sociology program at MU is geared toward improving life in communities, especially those that are considered vulnerable. Some of the problems that communities face are cultural in the sense of a strong diversity in religious or ethical differences that act as barriers rather than bridges between people. Understanding religious differences can help bring about social change. The Center’s focus on religious literacy in the form of training and education can be a valuable tool for communities with high amounts of diversity. [Read more…]