Digital Methodologies in the Sociology of Religion - by Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor & Suha Shakkour (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This volume considers the implementation difficulties of researching religion online and reflects on the ethical dilemmas faced by sociologists of religion when using digital research methods. Bringing together established and emerging scholars, global case studies draw on the use of social media as a method for researching religious oppression, religion and identity in virtual worlds, digital communication within religious organisations, and young people's diverse expressions of faith online. Additionally, boxed tips are provided throughout the text to serve as reminders of tools that readers may use in their own research projects.

Review Quotes

A phenomenal example of the masterful interweaving of the sociological study of religion with the ever-transforming world of digital technology, which makes it a must read for those interested in those subjects that fall within or between these two categories.
Religious Studies Review

This book is an essential resource for anyone thinking about using digital technologies in the social study of religious belief and non-belief. It should be on the reading lists of every research methods course and every course in the sociology of religion.

This volume is both a practical guide as well as a theoretical one, and encourages further research and conversation in the area of digital methods, ethics, and ethnographies. Digital Methodologies would be valuable not only to those whose research takes place in digital domains, but also as a helpful guide in distinguishing new from traditional methodologies, or to promote the use of new technologies and approaches in seminars or even the classroom. As a digital researcher, I found it timely, useful, and insightful.
Reading Religion

About the Author

Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, at Coventry University, UK.

Suha Shakkour is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Derby, UK.