Networks and Religion
Ties that Bind, Loose, Build-up, and Tear Down

This book uses social network analysis to explore the various effects that social networks have on religious belief and practice.

Sean F. Everton (Author)

9781108404075, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 July 2018

412 pages, 68 b/w illus. 13 tables
22.7 x 15.3 x 2.2 cm, 0.59 kg

'Although most social scientists who study religion agree that social networks play a central role in religious life, few studies draw on measures that adequately capture the effects of social networks. This book illustrates how researchers can draw on formal [Social Network Analysis] methods to explore the interplay of networks and religion.' American Sociological Association Section on Religion Newsletter

Social scientists who study religion generally believe that social networks play a central role in religious life. However, most studies draw on measures that are relatively poor proxies for capturing the effects of social networks. This book illustrates how researchers can draw on formal social network analysis methods to explore the interplay of networks and religion. The book's introductory chapters provide overviews of the social scientific study of religion and social network analysis. The remaining chapters explore a variety of topics current in the social scientific study of religion, as well as introducing a variety of social network theories and methods, such as balance theory, ego-network analysis, exponential random graph models, and stochastic actor-oriented models. By embedding social network analysis within a social scientific study of religion framework, Networks and Religion offers an array of approaches for studying the role that social networks play in religious belief and practice.

Part I. Introduction: 1. The surprising (at least to some) persistence of religion
2. Social network analysis: a brief introduction
Part II. Ties that Bind: 3. Recruitment and conversion
4. Commitment and conformity
Part III. Ties that Loose: 5. Diffusion and innovation
6. Politics and community
Part IV. Ties that Build-Up: 7. Networks and tradition
8. Health and happiness
Part V. Ties that Tear Down: 9. Conflict and cohesion
10. Radicalization and violence
Part VI. Conclusion: 11. Conclusion
Appendices
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Sociology [JHB], Religion: general [HRA], Research methods: general [GPS]