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Meredith Mcguire's Religion: The Social Context (Fourth Edition)
Chapters 4 -- Official and Nonofficial Religion

Michael R. Leming, Ph.D.
Professor of Sociology
Spring Semester 1998

  1. From the perspective of the sociology of religion, what is institutional specialization? What are the major dimensions of institutionalized religion?
  2. What is nonofficial religion and religiosity? How do these differ from official religion and religiosity? Evaluate American society with respect to its emphasis upon official and nonofficial religion. Why do sociologists have a difficult time studying nonofficial religion?
  3. What is the effect of official and nonofficial religion upon gender roles? Is the meaning of religion and religious experience different for men and for women? Why or why not?
  4. How does religion legitimate the social caste of female? What is the potential for "new" religious movements to modify gender roles? Can official religion create or encompass new or changing roles for women? What is the function of nonofficial religion in this regard?

Go back to Sociology 265 - Discussion Questions


If you have any questions or comments please email:

leming@stolaf.edu

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