Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
06:42
Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
Body, society, and subjectivity in religious studies
1Indiana University, Bloomington.
Journal of the American Academy of Religion. American Academy of Religion
|April 26, 2012
Summary
The study argues that while focusing on the body transformed religious studies, it overlooked the importance of personal relationships. Future research should explore how intimacy shapes religious subjectivity and practice.
Area of Science:
- Religious Studies
- Sociology of Religion
- Theology
Background:
- The study of religion has shifted from beliefs to practices, emphasizing the body.
- This 'turn to the body' aimed to overcome Protestant biases in the discipline.
- However, existing scholarship often retains an individualistic view of the religious person.
Observation:
- Scholars recognize that bodies are shaped by social forces.
- Despite this, the religious subject is often depicted as isolated within communal contexts.
- This individualistic portrayal detaches the subject from close personal connections.
Findings:
- The focus on the body was partly driven by a rejection of traditional subjectivity theories.
- Current trends in religious studies inadvertently perpetuate an individualistic model of the religious subject.
- The article posits that insights driving the 'turn to the body' should now highlight the significance of intimacy.
Implications:
- Re-evaluating the concept of the religious subject is necessary.
- Incorporating the role of personal relationships can provide a more holistic understanding of religious experience.
- This nuanced perspective can enrich the study of religion by integrating social and personal dimensions.
Related Concept Videos
01:23The Role of Culture
Culture plays a crucial role in shaping self-identity and influencing thought and behavior, a foundational interest within social psychology. The multicultural perspective recognizes that individuals do not exist in a vacuum; instead, their experiences, perceptions, and actions are deeply influenced by the intersecting dimensions of their cultural, ethnic, and social group affiliations.Cultural Influence on Self-Identity and Social PerceptionCultural frameworks inform how individuals define...
01:30Self Within Cultural Contexts
Cultural frameworks for understanding the self are often categorized into two broad orientations: individualism and collectivism. These paradigms influence how people define themselves, relate to others, and interpret their social worlds. Each orientation offers distinct perspectives on autonomy, responsibility, and the role of the individual within a community.Individualistic CulturesIn individualistic cultures like North America and Western Europe, identity is understood as autonomous and...
02:57The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to this speculation. We don certain clothes, prepare our hair in a particular manner, wear makeup, use cologne, and the like—all with the notion that our presentation of ourselves is going to affect how others perceive us. We expect a certain reaction, and, if lucky, we get the one we desire and feel good about it. But more than that, Cooley...
01:29Social Psychology and Individual Behavior
Social psychology examines how group dynamics, emotions, and cultural influences shape individual actions and decision-making. These elements interact to form behavioral patterns that affect personal choices and social interactions.The Role of Group DynamicsGroups play a crucial role in shaping behavior by reinforcing norms and expectations. Individuals derive a sense of self from group membership, often aligning their behaviors with group norms to maintain social cohesion. For example, an...
01:24Humanistic Psychology
Humanistic psychology emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the deterministic and pessimistic nature of behaviorism and psychoanalysis. While behaviorism focused on observable behaviors influenced by the environment and psychoanalysis delved into unconscious motivations, both theories suggested that human actions lacked free will. In contrast, humanistic psychology offers a perspective that emphasizes the innate potential for goodness and growth within every individual.
This approach...
This approach...
01:30Scientific Nature of Social Psychology
Social psychology is a scientific discipline dedicated to understanding how individuals think, feel, and behave in social contexts. Unlike common sense, which relies on anecdotal experiences and intuition, social psychology employs systematic research and empirical methods to ensure objectivity and reliability. This distinction is fundamental in distinguishing scientifically supported findings from mere speculation.Four fundamental scientific values guide a structured approach to research in...