Religion and the Politics of Sexuality

Authors

Stephen Ellingson, Hamilton CollegeFollow

Type of Work

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2004

Book Title

The Sexual Organization of the City

Book Editor

Edward O. Laumann, Stephen Ellingson, Jenna Mahay, Anthony Paik, Yoosik Youm

Publisher

University of Chicago Press

City

Chicago, IL, USA

First Page

309

Last Page

348

ISBN

226470318

Abstract

Using data from open-ended interviews with religious leaders in three Chicago neighborhoods in combination with demographic and survey data for area residents, this article demonstrates how local sexual norms and practices shape congregational responses to sexuality issues. These data reveal that local norms about sexual behavior and identity, and congregational identities and histories, are usually more salient than polity, official teaching, or denominational affiliation. The authors describe how local cultures, structures, and concerns—from the identities and traditions of each congregation to the demographics and institutional infrastructure of each neighborhood—produce sometimes reinforcing and often cross-cutting pressures that drive congregational approaches to human sexuality.

Citation Information

Ellingson, Stephen, "Religion and the Politics of Sexuality" (2004). Hamilton Digital Commons.
https://digitalcommons.hamilton.edu/chapters/145

Notes

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Hamilton Areas of Study

Sociology