Hinduism and the Internet : a sociological study

Preview

Text WRAP_THESIS_Scheifinger_2006.pdf - Submitted Version Download (26MB) | Preview

Request Changes to record.

Abstract

This study provides a contribution to the sociology of religion by examining the
relationship between Hinduism and the Internet - an area largely neglected by scholars
of religion and the Internet. A theoretical discussion as to the suitability of cyberspace
for Hinduism - which concludes that there is a high level of compatibility - is
followed by a discussion of embodiment (a relatively neglected topic in sociology) in
Hinduism in order to assess whether online religious activity which does not require
full embodiment could be problematic. Although there is no natural fit between
Hinduism and online religious activity, such activity is extensive; and this gives rise to
a number of empirical research questions about online practices and their implications
for Hinduism 'offline'.
Empirical research was carried out both online and 'offline'. Online, data was obtained
through the utilisation of innovative research methods which were able to map
Hinduism on the WWW and uncover the processes that are occurring. An important
finding was that a relatively small number of Hindu organisations are effectively
monopolising Hinduism online. Significant websites were also analysed. 'Offline',
research was carried out at mandirs (Hindu Temples) in India. The prime research
method used was the semi-structured interview. The informants were high-ranking
mandir officials. Owners of web sites offering a puja (ritual honouring a deity) service
were also interviewed. The online and 'offline' research did not constitute discrete lines
of enquiry, and findings were analysed together in the light of sociological theories of
embodiment and globalisation, and rational choice theory. These theories contribute to
the understanding of processes that are occurring in Hinduism and, in turn, the findings
suggested revisions of the theoretical ideas.
The main conclusion is that despite globalisation and the pre-eminent role that the
Internet plays in it - contrary to the assertions of some globalisation theorists -local
sites of Hindu practice do not necessarily decline in importance. Instead, there is an
interpenetration of the local and the global as a result of online Hinduism.

Request changes or add full text files to a record

Repository staff actions (login required)

View Item