Research programme Social Sciences of Religion and Practical Theology

The research subject Social Sciences of Religious and Practical Theology takes experiences and practices as its starting point for understanding religiosity, worldviews and theology in contemporary society. The research subject combines different approaches, theories and methods from the sociology of religion, psychology of religion, practical theology and didactics of religion. The research aims to highlight, analyse and problematise how religiosity and theology are expressed by individuals, within faith-based organisations and in society at a time of increased religious and cultural diversity. Common to the research subject is the use of empirical methods for the study of religious practices. Critical and constructive development of concepts, theories and methods based on the encounter between different research approaches is a central theme, as is collaboration between researchers, faith-based organisations, schools and society.

In the subject of Social Sciences of Religion and Practical Theology, doctoral studies can be pursued in two different specialisations: sociology of religion and psychology of religion, and practical theology and didactics of religion.

Specialisation in Sociology of Religion and Psychology of Religion

The specialisation in Sociology of Religion and Psychology of Religion studies the interaction between religiosity, worldviews and social and psychological processes at the individual, group and societal levels. Research projects within this specialisation have an empirical basis and use quantitative and qualitative social science methods, such as surveys, interviews and various types of text analysis, for data collection and analysis. The research is often conducted in the form of Nordic and international, externally funded and multidisciplinary projects and collaborations.

Sociology of religion studies general trends of change in society and religious communities, as well as how factors such as class, gender, age, ethnicity and sexuality shape religious identities. The focus is on the dynamics between ongoing secularisation, globalisation and increased religious diversity, which has led to increased visibility and debate about religion in the media, civil society, politics and schools.

Psychology of religion studies experiences of meaning-making, life crises, spirituality, existential health, resilience and coping, based on psychological theories. The studies pay attention to context and cultural perspectives. In recent years, migrants in vulnerable situations have received particular attention in a number of interdisciplinary and international projects.

Practical theology and Didactics of religion

The practical theology and didactics of religious specialisation focuses on lived practices, learning and religious literacy. In addition to Christian majority churches and schools, other religious organisations are studied, as well as religion and learning outside traditional communities and organisations. Theoretically, the specialisation focuses on how practices and traditions are interpreted and changed in the interaction between society, schools and religious communities.

Research in this field is based on material generated using qualitative empirical
methods such as ethnography and action research. Theological and didactic interpretations of empirical material can include both critical perspectives and constructive claims. Practical theological studies engage in theological discourse in the linguistic fields of the religious communities themselves, but remain scientifically independent. Didactics of religion include religious teaching and learning in denominational and non-denominational contexts, and cover teacher practice as well as concrete method development.