Do We Need a 'Political Science of Religion'?. (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kettell, Steven
• Is Part Of: Political studies review. Volume 14:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 210
• Page End: 222
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: political science -- religion -- disciplinary boundaries -- sub-fields; Political science -- Book reviews -- Periodicals; Political science -- Periodicals; 320.05
• DOI: 10.1111/1478-9302.12068
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-9299

Abstract

Religious issues are intrinsically political but have been largely excluded from the mainstream concerns of political science. This article considers some of the reasons why this has been the case, and suggests ways in which the imbalance might be addressed. Although the idea of developing a distinctive 'political science of religion' is not without its advantages, this approach is rejected in favour of one that is broader, interdisciplinary and more holistic.