Sociology and Catholic Social Teaching Contemporary Theory and Research

In this edited volume of essays by key scholars in the arena where Catholic thought and sociology meet, Sociology and Catholic Social Teaching: Contemporary Theory and Research offers critical insights into a badly needed alternative vision to the alienation and cynicism that plague our political discourse. Arguing that Catholic social teaching stands as an important morally grounded framework for addressing today's pressing social problems, contributors explore the general principles and specific criteria required for both evaluating and advocating models of social improvement.In each contribution, there is a tacit recognition of the historical role sociologists have played in shaping Catholic social teaching. Empirical studies support the validity of Catholic social teaching respecting the dignity of the person, the importance of natural law as a basis of social norms and values, and the most humane workings of social institutions like the family, economy, and government. This intersection of secular sociological theories with key elements of Catholic social thought are what drive this collection of essays sponsored by the Society of Catholic Social Scientists. Here readers will find meditations on and studies of digital democracy and human rights, social deviance and societal discontent, the relationship between Catholic faith and sociological research, the psychology of happiness and moral behavior among young adults, the sociology of knowledge from a distinctively Catholic perspective, and the sociological approaches to moral and social improvement.This anthology is meant for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of sociology or Catholic social thought, as well as scholars in these areas interested in how sociology and Catholic social teaching converge.

Stephen R. Sharkey is professor of sociology and senior scholar for liberal learning at Alverno College. He is the sociology disciplinary section chair of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists and a member of University Faculty for Life.