Digital Methodologies in the Sociology of Religion [Hardcover]

This volume considers the implementation difficulties of researching religion online and reflects on the ethical dilemmas faced by sociologists of religion when using digital research methods. Bringing together established and emerging scholars, global case studies draw on the use of social media as a method for researching religious oppression, religion and identity in virtual worlds, digital communication within religious organisations, and young people's diverse expressions of faith online. Additionally, boxed tips are provided throughout the text to serve as reminders of tools that readers may use in their own research projects.

Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractoris a Research Fellow at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, at Coventry University, UK.

Suha Shakkouris Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Derby, UK.

List of Figures
Acknowledgements
List of Contributors
Introduction: Digital Methodologies in the Sociology of Religion, Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor (Coventry University, UK) and Suha Shakkour (University of Derby, UK)

Section I: Digitising Research in the Sociology of Religion
1. Methodological Challenges, Innovations and Growing Pains in Digital Religion Research, Heidi A Campbell (Texas A&M University, USA) and Brian Altenhofen (Texas A&M University, USA)
2. Surveying the Religious and the Non-Religious, Tristram Hooley (University of Derby, UK) and Paul Weller (University of Derby, UK)
3. Online Crowdsourcing Methods for Identifying and Studying Religious Groups as Special Populations, Victoria A. Springer (University of Nevada, Reno), Peter J. Martini (University of Nevada, Reno) and James T. Richardson (University of Nevada, Reno)

Section II: Social Networking Sites and Digital Ethnography
4. Facebook as anti-social media: using Facebook groups to engage opponents to the building of Dudley mosque, Chris Allen (University of Birmingham, UK)
5. Antagonlã$