REL281

Explores the sociology of religion, starting with the influential theory of secularization and its critics from the 1950s to now. Continues with analysis of select spirituality and new religions during the same period through the lenses of gender and the media in the politics of representation. Considers gender issues such as the gendering of the secularization theory; male charismatic leadership; spirituality and women’s changing social roles; and transgender challenges to binary beliefs and rituals. Considers media issues such as the mass media’s representation of non-mainstream groups as “cults”; the use of new media by spirituality and new religions to counter the cult narrative; and the recent, influential rise of female spiritual entrepreneurs marketing wellness products online.