'Religion' and 'Secular' Categories in Sociology: Decolonizing the Modern Myth

This book challenges the ideas of 'religion' and 'the secular' in social theory and Sociology, arguing that they perpetuate Western modernity/coloniality and need to be challenged.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 263 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book, drawing on the insights of critical religion studies and postcolonial self-reflection in sociology, critically examines the concepts of 'religion' and 'the secular' in social theory and sociology. It contends that as long as social theory and sociological discourse perpetuate the religion-secular divide and position themselves on the 'secular side of the binary,' sociology will continue to serve the very ideologies it seeks to challenge, namely Western modernity/coloniality.

The book argues that the perpetuation of the religion-secular distinction in social theory and sociology is detrimental to the pursuit of social justice and equality. It suggests that by maintaining this divide, sociologists risk perpetuating the power imbalances and inequalities that exist in society. Moreover, the book argues that the secularization of society is not a neutral process, but rather one that is driven by particular ideologies and interests. It suggests that the secularization of society is often used to justify the dominance of Western modernity/coloniality and to marginalize and oppress other religious and cultural traditions.

To address these issues, the book proposes a new approach to the study of religion and the secular. It advocates for a more nuanced and complex understanding of these concepts that recognizes their interdependence and their role in shaping society. The book also suggests that sociologists should engage with the religious and cultural traditions of their study participants in a more respectful and empathetic manner, rather than treating them as objects of study or as sources of oppression.

In conclusion, this book offers a critical examination of the concepts of 'religion' and 'the secular' in social theory and sociology. It argues that by perpetuating the religion-secular divide and positioning themselves on the 'secular side of the binary,' sociologists risk perpetuating the power imbalances and inequalities that exist in society. The book proposes a new approach to the study of religion and the secular that recognizes their interdependence and their role in shaping society. It also suggests that sociologists should engage with the religious and cultural traditions of their study participants in a more respectful and empathetic manner.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030875183
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021