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    Fandom as religion: a social-scientific assessment

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    Fandom as Religion.pdf (340.4Kb)
    Links to Files
    https://doi.org/10.1386/jfs_00036_1
    Permanent Link
    10.1386/jfs_00036_1
    http://hdl.handle.net/11603/25282
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    • Elliott, Michael
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    Author/Creator
    Elliott, Michael A.
    Author/Creator ORCID
    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9629-8643
    Date
    2021-06
    Type of Work
    application/pdf
    17 pages
    Text
    journal articles
    Department
    Towson University. Department of Anthropology, Sociology & Criminal Justice
    Citation of Original Publication
    Elliott, Michael A. 2021. "Fandom as Religion: A Social-Scientific Assessment." The Journal of Fandom Studies (9)2. Retrieved July 28, 2021 (https://doi.org/10.1386/jfs_00036_1)
    Subjects
    Fandom & culture
    Religion
    Sacred
    Durkheim, Émile, 1858-1917
    Social sciences
    Sociology
    Abstract
    My objective in this article is to outline both a conceptual and a methodological reframing of the ‘fandom as religion’ comparison from a social-scientific perspective. This comparison is familiar territory by now. It has survived the decades because there are, in fact, some striking similarities between fan devotion and religious devotion. However, there are some lingering issues that continue to hamper this field. As a result, I begin by discussing these issues in more detail and highlight how they can be problematic. Next, I discuss how fan devotion is better conceptualized as a sacred rather than a religious experience. Finally, I suggest suitable methods for gathering first-hand data from fans to test this association. On the whole, I believe this reframing will lead to a more accurate understanding of fandoms and chart a clearer path forward for scholars in this field.


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    Towson University
    8000 York Road
    Towson, Maryland 21252

    Website:
    www.towson.edu

    Contact Info:
    azukowski@towson.edu
    410-704-5318
    http://libraries.towson.edu/md-soar


    If you wish to submit a copyright complaint or withdrawal request, please email mdsoar-help@umd.edu.