Approaching Pilgrimage: Methodological Issues Involved in Researching Routes, Sites, and Practices

This volume explores pilgrimage studies as a distinctive sub-field of research, defining its key methodological approaches and problems. It brings together experienced pioneers and a younger generation of scholars, addressing the directions contemporary research is taking and its potential for future development.

Format: Hardback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the realm of pilgrimage studies, aiming to establish it as a distinct and pioneering sub-field of research. It explores the rich tapestry of methodological approaches and challenges inherent in this field, drawing upon the insights of academic disciplines such as anthropology. By bringing together seasoned pioneers and emerging scholars, the chapters in this volume shed light on the evolving directions of contemporary pilgrimage research and its potential contributions to these disciplinary domains.

The book encompasses a wide range of topics, including digital pilgrimage, multi-site pilgrimages, and long-term ethnography, providing valuable examples from Europe, the Middle East, and Japan. This resource is of utmost importance to all researchers engaged in the study of pilgrimage, offering valuable insights and perspectives into this captivating phenomenon.

The chapters in this volume explore the multifaceted nature of pilgrimage, examining its historical, cultural, and religious dimensions. They shed light on the diverse experiences and motivations of pilgrims, as well as the social and ecological implications of their journeys. Through a multidisciplinary lens, the authors examine the ways in which pilgrimage intersects with issues such as tourism, sustainability, and cultural heritage preservation.

One of the key strengths of this volume is its ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The authors provide practical insights and recommendations for researchers seeking to engage with pilgrimage in their work, offering practical tools and methodologies for data collection and analysis. They also address the ethical considerations and challenges associated with studying pilgrimage, emphasizing the importance of respecting the cultural and religious sensitivities of the communities involved.

In conclusion, this volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners interested in the study of pilgrimage. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the field, providing a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives that will contribute to our understanding of this complex phenomenon. As pilgrimage continues to evolve and adapt to the changing world, this book will remain an essential guide for those seeking to explore its rich tapestry and its profound impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367682231