In sociology of religion, life course perspectives could be useful tools for understanding religious and spiritual phenomena in changing societies. Religion in the earlier years of the life course is frequently studied, for example in the contexts of religious socialization. But to see the larger picture, and also to contextualize research with the changing societies, trajectories of religious participation, meaning-making and spirituality have to examined in the context of the life course and full life span. We welcome papers examining religion throughout the lifespan, or from biographical perspectives – both in the levels of individuals, communities and societies, in the context of families, generations and cohorts alike. Topics fitting into this session include spiritual development, end of life -issues, cultural norms and images, policy issues and demographic perspectives. Papers focusing on changing societies, and global and multicultural perspectives are especially welcome. The session also invites novel approaches to the life course, including investigations of inequalities and individualities in religion and the life course.
ORGANIZERS:JENNI SPÄNNÄRI & KATI NIEMELÄ University of Helsinki, Finland
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