Religion and Social Transformation

Dear Colleagues,

In the early 20^th century, many scholars were interested in how religion may have influenced why societies developed differently, the most famous of these individuals being Max Weber. However, in the reaction to colonialism, ethnocentrism, and Western arrogance (among other things), such studies fell into disfavor. Many scholars also became leery of broad general claims, and focused more on ‘manageable’ topics. However, recently, scholars have begun exploring how different religious traditions may have influenced long-term social transformations. New data and methods make statistical analyses more plausible, and the careful histories of non-European societies allows more nuanced and grounded comparisons to be made. If we return to these questions with greater sensitivity, a greater ability to measure religion and social change, and a more nuanced understanding of diverse religious and historical contexts, what generalizations seem plausible? Have particular religious traditions influenced the spread of education, information technology, innovation, economic development, democracy, women’s rights, inequality, slavery, civil society, tolerance, and violence? What suggests that religion caused the outcome rather than something associated with religion? How persistent are religious differences? All religions are diverse and all change in response to their social context. How, when, and why do religions change in ways that foster or hamper particular social transformations? Are some changes more difficult for particular religious traditions to make than others? If so, why?

We invite contributions that evaluate and extend recent research on how distinct religious traditions may influence broad social outcomes. We particularly encourage research that includes analysis outside of North American and Europe and compares religious traditions in more than one context. Although new statistical analyses and summaries of recent statistical research are welcome, they should be presented in a form that is accessible to scholars from diverse fields and methodological orientations.

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 400–600 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send it to the guest editor Robert_Woodberry@baylor.edu or to Religions Editorial Office (religions@mdpi.com). Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editor for the purpose of ensuring they will have a proper fit within the scope of the Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer-review.

Dr. Robert D. Woodberry
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.