Fieldwork in Religion
Scope & Guideline
Advancing Methodologies in Religious Studies
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Fieldwork Methodologies:
The journal emphasizes the importance of fieldwork as a primary methodology in the study of religion, encouraging researchers to engage directly with communities to gather insights into their practices and beliefs. - Interdisciplinary Approaches:
'Fieldwork in Religion' promotes an interdisciplinary framework that incorporates sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies, enabling a comprehensive understanding of religious phenomena. - Exploration of Diverse Religious Practices:
The journal covers a wide array of religious traditions, including major world religions and indigenous belief systems, facilitating cross-cultural comparisons and discussions. - Social and Political Contexts of Religion:
Research published in the journal often examines the social, political, and economic factors influencing religious practices, highlighting the relevance of religion in contemporary societal issues. - Engagement with Contemporary Issues:
The journal addresses current challenges and transformations within religious communities, such as globalization, migration, and technological changes, providing a timely perspective on evolving religious landscapes.
Trending and Emerging
- Multidisciplinary Approaches:
There is a growing trend towards employing multidisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from various fields such as sociology, psychology, and cultural studies to enrich the understanding of religious practices. - Religious Practices in Contemporary Contexts:
Recent publications emphasize the examination of religious practices within contemporary societal issues, including health, migration, and environmental concerns, highlighting their relevance in today's world. - Engaged Spirituality and Wellbeing:
Research on engaged spirituality, particularly in practices like yoga and qigong, is on the rise, reflecting a broader interest in the intersection of religion, health, and personal well-being. - Fieldwork in Non-Traditional Spaces:
There is an emerging focus on conducting fieldwork in non-traditional religious spaces, such as digital environments and informal gatherings, which expands the scope of religious studies. - Ethical Considerations in Fieldwork:
A significant increase in discussions around the ethics of conducting fieldwork in religious settings is evident, reflecting a heightened awareness of researcher positionality and the impact of research on communities.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Religious Studies:
There appears to be a declining interest in traditional studies of established religions without the incorporation of fieldwork methodologies, as researchers seek more dynamic and engaged approaches. - Historical Analysis of Religion:
Papers focusing solely on historical perspectives of religious practices are becoming less common, reflecting a shift towards contemporary analysis and lived experiences. - Theoretical Discussions Without Empirical Evidence:
Theoretical discussions that lack empirical fieldwork insights are waning, as the journal emphasizes the importance of grounded research in understanding religious phenomena. - Focus on Religious Texts Alone:
There is a noticeable decrease in research centered solely on religious texts, as the journal increasingly values the exploration of lived religion and community practices. - Western-Centric Perspectives:
Research that maintains a predominantly Western-centric view of religion is declining, with a growing emphasis on non-Western contexts and diverse global perspectives.
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