British Sociological Association

Sociology of Religion Study Group

Friday, 28th January -Saturday 29th January, 2005

Burwalls, University of Bristol

Report for BSA newsletter, Network

The BSA's Sociology of Religion Study Group has always maintained a strong tradition of supporting its postgraduate members. In recent years, this support has been extended to include a regular postgraduate forum at the group's annual conference, an email discussion list (SOCREL-PG), and the appointment in 2002 of Dr Mathew Guest as Post-Graduate Officer - a mediator between postgraduate members and the study group executive committee, with the remit of maximising postgraduate support through the work of the group. Much of this support is channelled through an annual postgraduate conference, a consistently successful and thoroughly enjoyable event that has proved immensely popular with postgraduate students working in the sociology of religion over the past eight years.

This year's conference took place on 28th-29th January, 2005, and benefited from the excellent facilities and catering at Burwalls Conference Centre, Clifton, Bristol. A record number of students attended - a total of 23, travelling from all over Britain. The Study Group demonstrates its support for postgraduates by using its funds to provide 50% of accommodation costs to all who take part.

The event was organised, as in previous years, by Dr Kieran Flanagan of the University of Bristol. He was assisted by the Study Group Convenor, Dr Peter Gee and supported by Dr Guest, as Postgraduate Officer. Each year guest speakers are invited to convene seminars on aspects of their own research, the sessions intended to provide postgraduate students with an opportunity to develop their knowledge of research methods and explore the complexities of sociological research alongside more experienced academics.

 

This year, we enjoyed two excellent presentations by Dr Peter Collins (University of Durham) and Professor Simon Coleman (University of Sussex). Dr Collins reflected on his extensive work on Quaker groups in England, offering insights into the nature of ethnography and the pragmatic constraints which arise from the use of participant observation. His discussion then turned to the planning of a project on Durham Cathedral, and the fascinating complications that arose upon negotiating access.

 

 

 

Professor Coleman talked about his own experience of researching charismatic Christians in Sweden, and Roman Catholic pilgrims in the UK. Focusing on the relationship between fieldwork and the writing process, he offered some extremely helpful advice on how best to manage the complex learning process endemic to sociological research. Both sessions were keenly received by students, who also benefited from more informal discussion seminars chaired by the academics present.

 

 

Each year, the postgraduates who attend bring along their knowledge of fascinating new areas of scholarship, and this year was no exception. Most noteworthy was the diversity of research projects represented: from Quaker educational initiatives to Pentecostalism in North East England; embodiment in Eco-paganism to Confucian perceptions of Christianity; western Buddhist converts to Catholic nuns and the social construction of femininity. Needless to say, all of those present learnt a lot from our discussions. Postgraduates consistently affirm the value of this conference, which offers a supportive environment in which to develop their research skills and extend existing and invaluable networks. We look forward to next year's event with anticipation.

Mathew Guest