Supervisor: Megan Rogers, Assistant Professor of Sociology
Project Description
This project examines the intersection of two rapid social changes in contemporary China: the growth of religion and the return of social class. Specifically, this project focuses on the educated middle class and draws on the recent practice turn in the sociology of religion to examine how the ways people do religion and develop religious dispositions intersect with, shape, and are shaped by social inequalities such as social class. Based in Suzhou, this qualitative project involves ethnography at Buddhist and Protestant religious organizations and in-depth interviews with Buddhist, Protestant, and non-religious educated professionals.
Student Researchers
Anchi Zhang is a sophomore at Duke Kunshan University. She intends to major in Cultures and Movements with a track in sociology. She is interested in learning more about sociology after graduation.
Hajra Farooqui is a senior at Duke Kunshan University. She majors in Ethics and Leadership with a track in religious studies. Her research interests include Islam, gender and sexuality, ethics, and South Asia. She hopes to pursue an interdisciplinary graduate degree in religious studies and anthropology after graduation.
Jiayang Ling is a senior at Duke Kunshan University. She majors in Culture and Movements with a track in sociology. She is interested in studying topics around positive psychology, especially mindfulness from a socio-cultural perspective.
Rudy Lu is a senior at Duke Kunshan University. She majors in Media and Arts with a track in creative practice. She hopes to pursue a master’s in religious studies or anthropology after graduation.
Xiaomeng Yan is a junior at Duke Kunshan University. She majors in Global Culture Studies under the track of world literature. She is interested in culture studies and anthropology.
Yiyang Zhang is a sophomore at Duke Kunshan University. He has not declared his major yet, but he has interests in many subjects from computer science to sociology. He wished to determine his major through the following learning journey.
Research Poster
