Marx's phrase `opium of the people' is one most frequently quoted lines he ever wrote; perhaps because that, it has been just as misunderstood. By returning to various meanings opium in mid-19th century, I revisit analysis, offering a way reading metaphor that more consistent with dialectical method. The paper provides revised analysis “Towards Critique Hegel's Philosophy Right: Introduction”, well suggestions about how this new open-ended can contribute Marxian analyses religious beliefs...

Although scholars have long recognized the importance of “elective affinity” as a key word in Weber's sociology, surprisingly little systematic research has gone into understanding this metaphor writing, or source from which he drew term. For Weber, was an implicit reference to Goethe's novel, well known educated German audience, entitled Elective Affinities (1807). In article, I provide account conception elective affinity chemical metaphor, and way that it is related uses term Protestant...

Abstract Although Bourdieu's sociological project is a generalised sociology of religion, his work has not been as influential among sociologists religion one might have expected it to be. In this article we provide an overview analysis paying particular attention key problems that identified in the literature and suggesting how can be understood such way overcome these limitations. Drawing upon research by two authors, show helpful for understanding conflicts over sexuality Anglican...

There is a paucity of data on the safety joint replacement surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], including those tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors [anti-TNF]. We explored risk serious infections this population. A retrospective case-control study [2006–2014] was performed using MarketScan Database. All aged 18–64 years an International Classification Diseases code for IBD and IBD-specific medication, ≥ 6 months enrollment prior to hip, knee or shoulder surgery,...

Herbert Spencer is usually thought to use a biological metaphor for understanding social-evolutionary processes. Spencer’s evolutionary theory an ‘energetic’ theory, premised on particular of physical principles; he applied these principles equally inorganic, organic and supra-organic (social) evolution. The centrality energy metaphors makes social evolution directly relevant in global society where has once again become important political, economic environmental issue. omits the non-human...

Abstract Sociologists of religion have long debated the definition religion. In this article, I survey debate and find a partially hidden consensus. This debate, in conjunction with recent criticisms concept "religion" religious studies, by drawing on Ludwig Wittgenstein's notion oflanguage games, provides helpful pointers for developing non-essentialist conception argue that (as phenomenon as concept) is historical social construction, but does not require us to dispense altogether.

Orenstein's (2002) JSSR article “Religion and Paranormal Belief” uses Reginald Bibby's 1995 Project Canada data to argue that religious paranormal belief are positively correlated, but church attendance negatively correlated. In this response, I use the same show while his basic model is true, we also need consider interaction between belief. Religious conditions effect of beliefs on in an important fashion. find only for those who do not attend regularly.

Despite the many criticisms of empirical and theoretical adequacy Rational Choice theory, it continues to have considerable influence appeal in sociological study religion. This article examines use market metaphor its subsidiary metaphors, with a view understanding how these metaphors work rational choice what this might be able tell us about enduring influence. I suggest that is useful one for studying religion capitalist, commodity oriented society, but when we forget ‘religious economy’...

Background The absence of census data on religious identification in Nigeria since 1963 leaves much uncertainty about the most basic composition country. It is generally accepted that with traditional worship declined over middle twentieth century as Islam and Christianity increased, leaving these two dominant groups current relative proportions Christians Muslims has often been subject conjecture, guesswork assertion, have trajectories growth or decline. Purpose Where researchers used sound...

Emile Durkheim first outlined the problem of categories for sociologists after Kant: how do we acknowledge socially constituted nature all knowledge and yet still make claims about social reality? In Durkheim’s late work he identifies two opposite responses to this problem: empiricism, which denies problem; idealism (or constructionism), finds it difficult talk anything beyond our conceptions conceptions. article argue that sociological Dorothy E. Smith provides a better solution than does....

Journal Article Homosexuality and the Construction of "Anglican Orthodoxy": The Symbolic Politics Anglican Communion Get access Christopher Craig Brittain, Brittain Divinity, University Aberdeen Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Andrew McKinnon * Sociology, *Direct correspondence to McKinnon, Aberdeen, School Social Science, Scotland AB24 3QY, United Kingdom. E-mail: andrew.mckinnon@abdn.ac.uk. Sociology Religion, Volume 72, Issue 3, AUTUMN 2011, Pages...

This article outlines two inter-related but distinct theoretical approaches to the study of Christianity and Social Class developed from work Pierre Bourdieu. The first is a model derived Distinction (Bourdieu [1979] 1984), second comes Bourdieu's on religious fields with focus conversion capital between different fields. former, better known, approach has potential provide important insights, including identifying affinity groups class locations; other hand, this would tell us little about...

Same-sex marriage has become a divisive issue in established western democracies. As earlier research on abortion, there is now growing body of studies which suggests that religious factors, such as identity, belief and practice, are the most frequent predictors opposition towards gay marriage. Yet, what we know about combined influence these factors remains unexamined. Mindful this omission, study examines relationship between regular church attendance God attitudes same-sex abortion...

Scholars have not infrequently called attention to the master metaphors in Durkheim’s writing, those figures, typically drawn from biology, physics and chemistry, which structure his sociological thought. Less has been given work that do texts, or fundamental ambivalence about metaphor. This paper argues Durkheim depends on metaphor construct building blocks, just overall architecture, of argument The Elementary Forms Religious Life (1912). His conception ‘gods’ totemism makes theory...

The turn towards nonhuman animals within sociology has shed a critical light on George Herbert Mead, his apparent prioritisation of language and the anthropocentric focus Symbolic Interactionism (SI). Although Blumer canonised Mead as founder this perspective he also played key role in excising evolutionary ‘more-than-human’ components Mead's work. This intervention not only misrepresented intellectual project, it made symbols predominant concern Blumer's version SI. Since groundbreaking...

Metaphors are indispensable for sociological thinking about religion, but they have received much less consideration than deserve. This article argues the importance of systematic theoretical reflection on metaphors, both in analysis religion and religious discourse society. The provides an outline Nietzsche's early theory metaphor, situating it as a neglected classic sociologists context other work metaphor discipline.

Abstract There is an emerging debate about the growth of Anglicanism in sub-Saharan Africa. With this mind, paper uses four statistically representative surveys Africa to estimate relative and absolute number who identify as Anglican five countries: Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania Uganda. The results for are broadly consistent with previous scholarly assessments. findings on Nigeria Uganda, two largest provinces, likely be more controversial. evidence from finds that claims often made...

To support development of a robust postmarket device evaluation system using real-world data (RWD) from electronic health records (EHRs) and other sources, employing unique identifiers (UDIs) to link information.To create consistent device-related EHR RWD across 3 institutions, we established distributed network created UDI-enriched research databases (UDIRs) common model comprised 24 tables 472 fields. test the system, patients receiving coronary stents between 2010 2019 were loaded into...

of my article on the definition religion in sociology (McKinnon 2002).I think highly Professor Fitzgerald's work, especially his book The Ideology Religious Studies (2000); for this reason I am flattered that he has provided such a thorough critique-even if bemused by appraisal.In rejoinder, will not provide point-by-point response to commentary, because, although might satisfy desire "set record straight", it likely wouldn't be much interest anyone else 2 .Instead, limit myself major...

The work of Shailer Mathews (1863-1941) offers an important, though neglected, sociological theory the evolution religion. A theologian and long-time dean divinity school at University Chicago, develops his understanding as a foundation for articulating theology adequate to needs modern age. Influenced by evolutionary currents thought, interpreted along pragmatist lines, sees religion part will life, vital means adapting, adapting to, cosmos, understood in personal terms. By entreating...