Possession, Power and the New Age: Ambiguities of Authority in Neoliberal Societies

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Matthew Wood

Possession, Power and the New Age

Ambiguities of Authority in Neoliberal Societies

Matthew Wood

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English

Routledge
13 December 2021

European history; Religion: general; Other non-Christian religions; Spiritualism

Series: Theology and Religion in Interdisciplinary Perspective Series

This book provides a new sociological account of contemporary religious phenomena such as channelling, holistic healing, meditation and divination, which are usually classed as part of a New Age Movement. Drawing on his extensive ethnography carried out in the UK, alongside comparative studies in America and Europe, Matthew Wood criticises the view that such phenomena represent spirituality in which self-authority is paramount. Instead, he emphasises the role of social authority and the centrality of spirit possession, linking these to participants' class positions and experiences of secularisation. Informed by sociological and anthropological approaches to social power and practice, especially the work of Pierre Bourdieu and Michel Foucault, Wood's study explores what he calls the nonformative regions of the religious field, and charts similarities and differences with pagan, spiritualist and Theosophical traditions.

By: Matthew Wood
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
Weight: 322g
ISBN: 9781032243504
ISBN 10: 1032243503
Series: Theology and Religion in Interdisciplinary Perspective Series
Pages: 214
Publication Date: 13 December 2021
Audience: College/higher education , General/trade , Primary , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Matthew Wood is Lecturer in Sociology in the School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work at Queen's University Belfast, UK.

Reviews for Possession, Power and the New Age: Ambiguities of Authority in Neoliberal Societies

’Matthew Wood’s efforts to make ’new age’ phenomena grist to higher order comparative theorising are to be welcomed and applauded. His analysis should make a considerable impact among scholars of ’new age’ and help to steer the field into more productive theoretical waters in the social sciences. I recommend this monograph unreservedly to all students of ’new age’, contemporary religion, and theory and method in the study of religion.’ Journal of Contemporary Religion