Using original religious-philosophical texts and sociological research, the author explores the various dimensions of the Virasaiva religious tradition. His sociological analyses of the monastic organization and social structure, the family and the community, the roles of women, and the future of the community emphasize the intricate relationship between religion and the social system. This study of a largely unknown religious community demonstrates how the followers of Virasaivism, known as Lingayats, have been adapting to the changing milieu in North America while retaining the religion's core values. Dr. Chekki shows the interplay between tradition and modernity as the Virasaivas attempt to maintain a distinct identity while adopting the ways of modern culture.

Research in Community Sociology

This series aims to publish research on various dimensions of communities, with discussions of theoretical and methodological issues, and empirical research. Special focus will be on cross-cultural comparative, interdisciplinary and critical studies on community structure/change problems, policy-planning and related issues. This volume explores a variety of new communities that have emerged within recent decades. They are multidimensional and multilevel constructs that have manifested in a diversity of ways. Various researchers in this volume focus on myriad kinds of new communities and different facets of this phenomenon. They devote considerable attention to the diversity of ways in which these new communities are constructed and are perceived as such by their members. Most of these new communities are related to a variety of contemporary social issues. Consequently, some studies focus on the problems and policy implications of knowledge about new communities in both enhancing and retarding individual and community well-being. The studies in this book demonstrate diversity both in subject matter and in theoretical perspective. The new communities included in this book should help us better understand the micro-foundations of community and could provide some clues about the macro-level integration of society.

This is the 2nd volume in the Communities in Transition Series, edited by Dan A Chekki.

Religion and the Social Order

This analysis of community sociology examines African community issues and patterns of development. Topics covered include: community problems and collective action; community economic development; small communities in transition; ghetto formation and community dynamics; and, heritage and symbolism.

This volume presents research focusing on environmental issues, local community and global changes resulting from socioeconomic and political forces in advanced industrialized societies. Some of the changing perceptions of technology in the environmental movement, ecological concerns, and policy issues are examined. Case studies of community problems and community development efforts are discussed within the context of local-global environmental nexus and quality of community life.

Volume 1 of Research in Community Sociology focuses on "Community of the Streets".

Hardbound. At the dawn of the new millennium, we are witnessing profound changes in myriad communities around the world. The process of globalization, communication/information technology, multinational corporation-based economy, cultural homogenization as well as diversity have tended to transform and restructure contemporary communities in a variety of new ways. We need to know not only the emerging structure, but also the intricate dynamics of communities facing complex problems in a fast changing world.