Homepages of Sociological Societies & Associations

Association for the Sociology of Religion (ASR)
The ASR is an international scholarly association that seeks to advance theory and research in the sociology of religion... The Association encourages and communicates research that ranges widely across the multiple themes and approaches in the study of religion, and is a focal point for comparative, historical and theoretical contributions to the field."

Religious Research Association Inc. (RRA)
The RRA seeks to "increase understanding of the function of religion in persons and society through application of social scientific and other scholarly methods." It further aims to "promote the circulation, interpretation and use of the findings of religious research among religious bodies and other interested groups."  The RRA also maintains the RRX listserve - an email discussion group for issues of religious research.  To become a part of this listserve contact Scott Thumma, Hartford Institute for Religion Research, Hartford Seminary at sthumma@hartsem.edu.

Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (SSSR)
The SSSR is a multi-disciplinary society of scholars "who are interested in the scientific exploration of religion.... Its purpose is to stimulate and communicate significant scientific research on religious institutions and religious experience."

American Sociological Association (ASA)
This is the homepage of the largest professional sociological society. The ASA is "dedicated to advancing sociology as a scientific discipline and profession serving the public good." From this site one can access the web pages of the various sub-disciplines (sections) in the field as well as publications, job announcements, style sheets, and code of ethics.

ASA Sociology of Religion section
This is the web site of the American Sociological Association's Section on sociology of religion. The purpose of the Section on Sociology of Religion is "to encourages and enhances research, teaching, and other professional concerns in the study of religion and society. Through its various activities, it promotes communication, collaboration, and consultation among scholars in the field, as well as working to create links between sociology of religion and other sociological specialties."

The Association for the Social Scientific Study of Jewry
This is a cross-disciplinary organization of individuals whose research concerns the Jewish people throughout the world. The ASSJ encourages and facilitates contact among researchers, supports the dissemination of research, and assists in the cultivation of younger scholars. Their journal, Contemporary Jewry, is issued annually.

The American Academy of Religion (AAR)
This is the homepage of the largest professional religious studies society. The mission of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) is to "meet a critical need for ongoing reflection upon and understanding of religious traditions, issues, questions and values." From this site one can access the various sub-disciplines in the field (many of which relate directly to the sociological study of religion) as well as the on-line version of the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, member information and extensive links to religious information sites.

American Anthropological Association
This organization seeks to promote the advancement of the science of anthropology and further the interests of anthropologists by disseminating anthropological knowledge and promoting the entire field of anthropology.


International Sociological Association - Research Committee on Sociology of Religion
"This research committee was established with the intention of opening up a broader range of opportunities for participation in the activities of the ISA in the field of the Sociology of Religion. To this end it undertakes measures: to secure and develop personal and institutional contacts amongst sociologists of religion throughout the world; to encourage the international dissemination and exchange of information on significant developments in the sociology of religion and to promote the development of scientific activities in the sociology world wide; to facilitate and promote international meetings and research in the field of the sociology of religion; to help the non-represented countries to use the committee's resources and its facilities." 

International Society for the Sociology of Religion
The International Society for the Sociology of Religion (commonly known by its French acronym of the SISR -- formerly CISR) holds biennial conferences in locations throughout the world. The International Society for the Sociology of Religion "aims to advance knowledge in the sociology of religion and in all the related fields of the social sciences."

Canadian Corporation for Studies in Religion 
Behind this consortium of learned societies and institutions found throughout the country stand women and men who are passionate about the study of religion and religious phenomena in its myriad forms throughout the ages and around the world. Together we explore religious diversity to better understand its expressions as our society changes and grows. For more than forty years, our research has been published in the journal Studies in Religion which is distributed across the globe. We are proud to support young researchers in finding the resources they need to further their pursuits in Religious Studies or Theology.

British Sociological Association Sociology of Religion Study Group
Founded in 1975, the Sociology of Religion Study Group within the British Sociological Association offers an annual four-day conference around issues of contemporary religion and the sociology of religion. "A particular concern of the Study Group is to encourage younger members of the Group and to increase the profile of the Sociology of Religion within Sociology." The Study Group also maintains a listserve SOCREL - the e-mail discussion list of the BSA Sociology of Religion Study Group. 

German Association of Sociology, Sociology of
Religion Section 
This website includes current information about the section, its conference announcements, a list of section publications, current reference works, names and addresses of board members, a membership register with addresses and other information about the section. This site is in German; however, you can use a translation tool like Babblefish found at http://babelfish.yahoo.com/ to obtain a rough translation.

Centre d'Etudes Interdisciplinaires des Faits Religieux
The Center of Interdisciplinary Studies of the Religious Facts was created at the School of the High Studies in Social Sciences in 1993.  This site is in French but you can use a translation tool like Babblefish found at http://babelfish.yahoo.com/ to obtain a rough translation.

Association Française de Sciences sociales des Religions   
The French Association of social Sciences of the Religions is an association in scientific matter. It aims at promoting the development of research and the dissemination of knowledge in sociology of the religions and in close scientific fields.  Translate this French site at http://babelfish.yahoo.com/  

Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action
"The Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) is an international, interdisciplinary network of scholars and nonprofit leaders fostering the creation, application and dissemination of research on voluntary action, nonprofit organizations,
philanthropy and civil society."

Social Science Research Council
"Founded in 1923, the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, nongovernmental, not-for-profit, international association devoted to the advancement of interdisciplinary research in the social sciences. It does this through a wide variety of interdisciplinary workshops and conferences, fellowships and grants, summer training institutes, scholarly exchanges, and publications."


Links to other Sociological Associations and Soc. Departments
This Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, department of Sociology site contains links to many other professional sociological associations. It also includes links to graduate sociology departments at other Colleges and Universities.

For links to Research Institutes and Centers that conduct sociology of religion research visit this link.