Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Sociology
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
Race remains one of the most important determinants of a host of sociological outcomes despite claims that social characteristics such as class matter more. For example, racial inequalities are apparent in educational outcomes and regarding to asset-ownership. Perhaps the most troubling evidence of persistent racial inequities is the killing of Black people by law enforcement officials or civilians while they are engaged in such mundane activities, such as jogging in a neighborhood or selling compact discs (CDs). In the aftermath of these unnatural killings, there are often calls for racial reconciliation, faith based racial reconciliation. In times where it appears that the worst of humanity is on full display, many people, including many Americans, look to religious institutions, religious tradition, and religious leaders for guidance. Many sociologists have expressed an interest in understanding why Americans look to religion, how religious groups and institutions have responded, and what are some best practices. This research has been limited in important ways. For example, in the last quarter century, sociologists and other scholars studying religious, racial reconciliation and race relations have regarded both Black and White “racial” groups as homogenic groupings, and consequently ignore variations in the American religious universe, especially among American Blacks. The question of whether current religious sociological frames can accurately describe, explain, or make predictions about the successes or failures of racial, religious reconciliation then arises. Sociological research on racial and religious reconciliation is also limited by a conventional definition of religion. To address that limitation, I use Charles Long’s definition, where religion is understood as an orientation. I engaged in a longitudinal qualitative study focused on groups and individuals attempting to implement religious remedies in areas of high impact racial events. The primary group in which I was embedded included up too 1100 residents in Baton Rouge, with a focus on v responses to the killings of unarmed Black people from Trayvon Martin to George Floyd. It is anticipated that what I call the hidden gods and “sacred cows,” govern issues of race in modern America that impact whether racial, religious reconciliation is possible. The theoretical, methodological, and public policy implications of the proposed study are identified here.
Date
7-16-2025
Recommended Citation
Forde, Ewart E., "Broken Rituals: Contending Gods and Sacred Cows in Religious Racial Reconciliation and Race Relations" (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6887.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6887
Committee Chair
Martin, Lori L.
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.6887