Memberships

Core Values

An inclusive Community comprises an intentional space where people are nurtured, respected, and connected. The School of Religious and Social Studies (SRSS) has a competitive advantage in that it spans many groups in the study of religion. Members hail from every branch of social science, region of the globe, as well as many racial and ethnic groups. This strength has been a double-edged sword, with some members, namely non-sociologists, those residing outside Pakistan, and racial/ethnic minorities expressing lower levels of satisfaction with SRSS. By naming “inclusive community” as a value of SRSS, we seek to (1) emphasize the diversity of our membership, (2) ensure all feel the same sense of belonging that many already do as is repeatedly indicated in the survey, and (3) expand and strengthen the community atmosphere of SRSS meetings.

Excellent Scholarship requires the development of relevant, evidence-based knowledge that advances the social scientific study of religion. An excellent scholarship is required for the social scientific study of religion to be a prestigious pursuit. SRSS plays a crucial role in excellent scholarship by mentoring, supporting, and connecting social scientists of religion throughout the life course. In addition, the Journal of Religious and Social Studies can be a competitive advantage for SRSS in promoting a high standard of creative, consequential, and cross-disciplinary work.

Public Engagement involves proactively translating social scientific research on religion for multiple publics. The School of Religious and Social Studies (SRSS) was foundational to the development of many social sciences. Today, however, it is less central than it should be given the importance of religion (in all its empirically observable forms) to society. This value connotes a proactive approach to engaging others with the importance of the social scientific study of religion. The publics we work with include our respective disciplines, news media, as well as other interested groups and organizations, religious or otherwise. This value also reflects the desire of many in the organization to improve the lives of people.

Therefore, several different levels of membership are available on one, two, or three-year terms. We invite scholars and students from all fields to join the Society and participate in the many programs it offers.

Please note that the SRSS membership year is January 1 through December 31, no matter when you join or renew.

Membership Benefits

• Receive an annual subscription to the Journal of Religious and Social Studies, available both in print and online.
• Participate in the annual meeting with over 500 colleagues who share similar interests. Meeting registration is discounted for members.
• Apply for the Society’s research grants, made possible by our SRSS Endowment, to support Ph.D-level and dissertation research.
• Apply for International or Student Travel grants to attend the annual meeting.

*Discounts are available to unemployed, under-employed, and independent scholars. Please contact the executive office for more information.

Adopted by the School of Religious and Social Studies (SRSS), on October 21, 2020.