British Sociological Association Sociology of Religion Study Group

SOCREL Postgraduate Study Day

Friday 29th May 2009

School of Sociology and Social Policy

University of Nottingham

Report:

This day acted as a continuation of the new provision for postgraduate events, where one-day events spread throughout the year are being implemented rather than longer residentials. The aim of the event was for postgraduate students to present their work to each other and to get focused feedback from others within the field. Eleven delegates attended the day, including two plenary speakers - Dr Kristin Aune and Dr Andrew Yip.

Dr Andrew Yip's talk, 'Researching Sexuality and Spirituality: Some Thematic Reflections' acted as a summary of the academic research Dr Yip has conducted over the last fifteen years. He offered an encompassing overview of the research field and the perceived incongruence between religion and sexuality. Insights were offered on current thought and whether sociologists were overstating the case for agency and the reflexive self. Rather, structures such as religion and sexuality still play an important role in how people's experiences are shaped and understood. There was also a request for sociologists to not dismiss quantitative research but rather to see the benefits quantitative research can offer, especially in getting issues on the public agenda.

Dr Kristin Aune's plenary, 'Doing Ethnographic Research with Evangelical Christians' acted as a reflexive report on her own PhD journey and the difficulties and surprises encountered on the way. In an engaging discussion, Dr Aune discussed her positionality in terms of a conservative religious group and how gender, age, ethnicity and religious belief affected the data-gathering process. In a very honest account, Dr Aune argued that the research process is not a neat and tidy endeavour, but requires continual negotiation and reflexivity.

Postgraduates also had the opportunity to present their work, highlighting the high-quality research being undertaken by the research community. Talks were varied, and included topics such as the experiences of Muslim family carers, how the religious community has responded to HIV prevention and care, links between national identity and religion in Britain, inwardness within Quakerism, sectarian identity in Pakistan, and religion and violence.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and the quality of the debate and discussion was impressive. We are especially grateful for SOCREL for funding refreshments on the day.

Sarah-Jane Page
Postgraduate Liaison Officer