Future Prospects for Religion and Family Studies: The Mormon Case

Keywords

Family, religion, Mormon families, social science

Abstract

The increased emphasis in a variety of disciplines in the social sciences on the study of religion, along with more studies analyzing multiple institutions simultaneously such as religion and family (Abrahamson and Anderson, 1984; Thomas and Henry, 1985), and a social science encouraging more open dialogue from disciplinary adherents (Thomas and Sommerfeldt, 1984), argue for an optimistic view of the future of religion and family studies. We do not expect to see a return to the widespread neglect of religious studies that characterized the social sciences in the second, third, and fourth decades of this century (Thomas and Henry, 1985; Bergin, 1980; Beit-Hallahmi, 1974). In addition to the foregoing, we see a growing trend of religious organizations calling upon social science researchers to help them better understand the opportunities and challenges that churches face in helping individuals and families. Many of these social scientists are receiving recognition for their work (Howery, 1986).

Original Publication Citation

"Future Prospects for Religion and Family Studies: The Mormon Case," pp. 357-382 in D.L. Thomas (Ed.), The Religion and Family Connection: Social Sciences Perspectives. Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University.

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

1988

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/8457

Publisher

Brigham Young University

Language

English

College

Religious Education

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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