In 1999, American sociologist Peter Berger in his seminal work The Desecularisation of the World argued that “the assumption that we live in a secularised world is false. The world today…is as furiously religious as it ever was, and in some places more so than ever.” Peter Berger, a fearless proponent of the dominant paradigm of secularisation theory in the 1950s and 1960s, altered his views and pointed out that instead of adopting secular culture, different religious movements successfully developed their own identity and kept their beliefs and practices centred on supernatural aspects. Contrary to the predictions of the secularisation hypothesis, which envisages the decline or privatisation of religion with the spread of modernity and techno-scientific rationality, it is observed that there is a religious resurgence or de-secularisation of the world. Religion has assumed a more public role.
However, what is religion? More accurately, what are religions? How and why does this social institution that has its own particular forms of beliefs, rituals, and this-worldly social phenomenon? What role does it play in modern democratic societies? How does it influence the everyday life-world, belief system, and identity of an individual or a community? What are the relationships between the sacred and secular or religion and modernity? How and why religion(s) influence the behaviour of both individuals and collectivises? How can an insider approach that examines a particular religion by a practitioner of that religion differ from an outsider approach that a “neutral” observer takes? What is the distinction between knowledge and experience of religion derived from practising it and knowledge and experience about religion derived from sociological modes of inquiry? Young sociologists, what Harriet Martineau calls “students of society” or “observers of society”, must confront these questions, especially in their early careers, when researching various aspects of the sociology of religion. The first part of doing sociology is to learn to read sociological texts and ask questions from the sociological point of view. But how to read sociologically and ask questions sociologically?
In this Winter School, we invite post-graduate students interested in doing research in the sociology of religion and intend to conduct ethnographic fieldwork to investigate some of the complex dimensions of the sociology of religion. This Winter School aims to critically engage with the various concepts, theories, and debates in the sociology/anthropology of religion. In particular, we discuss (1) the role of religion in modern democratic contexts; (2) the blurred boundaries between the sacred and the secular; and (3) the relationship between religious politics and profane conflicts.
Addressing these broad themes in the sociology of religion, this Winter School examines the implications of the resurgence and active public role for modern democratic societies and the broader process of social order and social change.
Some renowned sociologists/ anthropologists who conducted long-term ethnographic research in the sociology of religion will deliver lectures and seminars on various issues. Among other things, these researchers will share their experience in researching religion, insider-outsider conflict, and practitioner-non-practitioner issues. Readings will be made available beforehand to give an overview to the students.
As to the lectures and seminars provided by the teachers, there will be sufficient room to discuss students’ research ideas and the anticipated prospects and challenges of their future research projects. A small number of students will be selected to present their research proposals at the Winter School and receive feedback on the same from teachers and other participants.
References
Berger, Peter. L. (1999). The Desecularisation of the World, Washington, DC: Ethics and Public Policy Center.
Organizers:
Prof. Sarbeswar Sahoo & Dr. Muhammed Haneefa
Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (India)
Venue and Dates:
The Winter School will be held at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi during 20-24 February 2023.
Who Can Apply?
The winter school is meant for students who have completed their MA/M.Phil degrees in the humanities or/and social sciences (or will do so in the near future), who have an interest in these topics and think about engaging in PhD research in this field in the future. Early PhD students may also apply, but priority will be given to MA/M.Phil students.
How to Apply?
Please send us a copy of your CV and a one page write up/research proposal on what your research is about or what you planning to work on in future PhD research. Please clearly state your research question(s) in the proposal. Please send the documents to: winterschool.iitd@gmail.com
When is the Last Date to send Application?
The Last Date for sending your application is 29 January 2023.
Participation Fees:
Indian Students: INR 2000 (Two Thousand Rupees only)
Foreign Students: Euro 100 (One Hundred Euro only)
Once your proposal is accepted, you will be required to transfer the fees to an account at IIT Delhi within a week. Failing to do so will mean that you are not interested in participating in the winter school and your place will be given to another student.
Travel/Accommodation:
The Winter School will not cover the cost of your travel and accommodation. You will need to book/arrange your own travel and accommodation in Delhi during the period of the Winter School.
What will you receive?
The Winter School will provide you:
• Soft copies of the course material and program
• Participation/completion certificate signed by the organizers
• Lunch, tea and snacks for during the winter school
• Some stationaries (optional)
Contact:
Dr Muhammed Haneefa
Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016
Email: haneefa@iitd.ac.in