Online Communities: A Case Study of Religion and Politics
I believe that the nonreligious' reaction to developments in American politics, and their resulting social marginalization, creates a unique environment for them. Using the theoretical frameworks provided by Casanova (1994), Putnam and Campbell (2012), Edgell et al. (2006), and McKenna et al. (1998), I believe the nonreligious hold a concealable identity that was created partly in reaction to religion becoming a public and political force in American politics during the last quarter of the nineteenth century.
To counteract these feelings of political and social marginalization, the nonreligious have sought out alternative avenues to express and create their political and social identities. Even though the nonreligious have been documented to be less politically and civically engaged, this group's identity has been created partly in reaction to developments in American politics and religion during the 20th century they will display some form of political activism. However, given their limited access to mainstream opportunities for political communication, I expect them to take their political activism online.
History
Date Modified
2017-06-05Defense Date
2016-02-18Research Director(s)
Mary Ellen KoniecznyDegree
- Master of Arts
Degree Level
- Master's Thesis
Program Name
- Sociology