Publication details
Spiritualita v nových sociálních hnutích: Případová studie neziskové organizace Embercombe
| Title in English | Spirituality in New Social Movements: Case Study of Nongovernmental Organization Embercombe |
|---|---|
| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2014 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Sociální studia |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | http://socstudia.fss.muni.cz/sites/default/files/Spiritualita_v_novych_socialnich_hnutich_Jana_Obrovska.pdf |
| Field | Sociology, demography |
| Keywords | Alternative spirituality privatization of religion deprivatization of spirituality new social movements new religious movements |
| Description | In contrast with many sociological theories which presuppose the privatized and socially insignificant character of individualized and de-institutionalized forms of spirituality, this article explains the de-privatized character of alternative spirituality amongst employees and volunteers in a non-governmental organization called Embercombe (UK). Embercombe facilitates both spiritual development courses and environmental and social programmes. The organization is conceptualized as part of a new social movement, a new religious movement (New Age) and the holistic milieu. I spent three months conducting participant and non-participant observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis to explain the ways actors interconnect their own spiritual development with an effort to transform the community and wider society. I conceptualize alternative spirituality as a cultural resource for grasping social and environmental problems which transcend the private lives of individuals rooted in the culture of Embercombe and engaged in the activities of new social movements. This article is a contribution to the study of spirituality in the public sphere (primarily in civil society) and its relationship to social change. |