Oxford University
Methodological challenges in doctoral research on religion:
Speakers:
Dr Marion Bowman, Open University
'Where qualitative longitudinal research and short term quantitative research meet: exploring Glastonbury's spiritual economy'.
Dr Titus Hjelm, UCL
'The relationship between theory and empirical research'.
Doctoral student presentations:
Melanie Landman, Roehampton University: Researching Black Madonnas: The Reluctant Fieldworker
Jason C. Boyd, University of Chester: Action Research as a Way of Doing Theology
Bulbul Siddiqi, Cardiff University: The Tablighi Jama'at in Bangladesh: An Ethnographic Study of an Islamic Reform Movement
France Azema, EHESS, Toulouse, France: The Position Of Women In Hindu Religion
Anna Strhan, Birkbeck College, University of London: Exploring The Relationship
Between Philosophical And Sociological Epistemological Frameworks In The Study Of Faith
Discussant: Dr Mathew J Guest, Durham University
Report:
Twenty
students attended this event, which was opened with Dr Marion Bowman
talking about the longitudinal approach she applied to her research in
Glastonbury, through which she also highlighted some of the
distinctions and tensions between religion and spirituality and the
differing organisations based in the town. Whilst explaining some
of her formal methodologies Dr Bowman also drew attention to the role
serendipity played in the research process and in her closing comments
stressed the need for us all to be aware of the footprint that our
research leaves following our work.
Dr Titus Hjelm
underlined the importance of strong theoretical awareness, arguing that
theory without data is myth, and data without theory is madness!
He provided an example of a model explaining the flows of legitimation
and authenticity which he derived following empirical research, before
defining four different types of research – question driven; data
driven; method driven and; theory driven. He reminded students to
be pragmatic about their research, especially about what was possible
within the bounds of a doctoral degree.
Following the
invited speakers, we heard from a number of doctoral student
presentations, the breadth of the subject matters reflecting the
interesting and diverse range of topics which SocRel PGs are
researching. Anna Strhan addressed problems of using
philosophical concepts of faith within sociological enquiries, whilst
France Azema highlighted the need to avoid problematic discourses of
victimhood when researching women within Hindu religions, as this could
lead to a tendency to construct negative identities. Bulbul
Siddiqi talked about the problems of gaining trust during fieldwork in
Bangladesh, during which he undertook Chilla (40 day retreats) in 14
different mosques. Jason Boyd, researching what goes on in the
communication process during a sermon, discussed the difficulties of
undertaking research in a church community where he was both the
researcher as well as the subject of the research (he was delivering
the sermons that the congregation evaluated). Melanie Landman
took us through an overview of her research at a church site where not
only was she able to research the congregation and their interactions
with a statue of the Black Madonna, but she was also able to interview
the sculptor. During her talk she highlighted some of the
disagreements in the stories behind the Black Madonna at the research
site, revealing how those worshipping there negotiated the shared
meaning of the Madonna and their own interaction with it.
Each
of the sessions was followed by some time for questions, and in
addition there were breaks for lunch and refreshments which allowed for
discussion between all the participants – an essential and much valued
part of any event like this. Bringing the day to a close, there
were some comments by Dr Mathew Guest, during which he recommended some
texts that he felt were informative on the areas discussed, and also
some closing comments from the main speakers including Dr Bowman’s
encouragement to use mixed methodologies – as long as done properly.
The
day was a short but enjoyable opportunity to hear the views and
experiences of some established researchers on the methodological
toolkits available for use, as well as for some doctoral students to
speak about their own research. Outside of these presentations
was the space for all participants to discuss personal experiences and
ask further questions, both of each other and the invited guests – to
whom we were grateful for giving up a Saturday. The feedback from
attendees was positive and it was clear from the comments that future
events on this topic would be gratefully received. On this last
point, our thanks go to Dr Abby Day, who organised the event, with the
support of the HEA-PRS Postgraduate Training Network and the BSA SocRel
postgraduate network.
Matthew Francis
Postgraduate Liaison Officer
