God Concepts and· Social Class: The Impact of the Evangelical Movement
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Authors
Knopp, Julie
Issue Date
2009
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
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Abstract
There exists a complex and ambiguous relationship between socioeconomic class
and religion. Modem studies continue to reassess early theories on this relationship
proposed by Marx, Weber and Durkheim. This study reexamines sociological
assumptions on class and group theory through the lens of God concepts and by taking
advantage of the changing terrain of the American religious landscape, brought about by
the growing popularity of evangelicalism among the upper-middle class. In a study of
two mainline protestant congregations-upper-middle class and working-class,
respectively-and one upper-middle class evangelical "mega-church" congregation, this
research explores how the rise of evangelicalism among the upper-middle class
influences the traditional class trends in God concepts and religiosity. Applying the
framework of Berger and Luckmann' s social construction theory, the results demonstrate
continuity with past research in terms of the differing God concepts of working-class and
upper-middle class mainline subjects, but suggest a contradiction of this pattern in the
beliefs of upper-middle class evangelicals. Moreover, the findings suggest the importance
of strong plausibility structures, extended insider conversations and limited out-group
exposure in preserving the constructed reality, thus confirming the impact of class on
religiosity as an indirect effect through channeling group involvement.
Description
vii, 78 p.
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