MACMILLAN Faith-Based Organizations and Social Welfare: Associational Life and Religion in Contemporary Western Europe (Palgrave Studies in Religion, Politics, and Policy)

This volume examines the role and function of religious-based organizations in strengthening associational life in a representative sample of West European countries: newly democratized and long-established democracies, societies with and without a dominant religious tradition, and welfare states with different levels and types of state-provided social services. It asks how faith-based organizations, in a time of economic crisis, and with declining numbers of adherents, might contribute to the deepening of democracy. Throughout, the volume invites social scientists to consider the on-going role of faith-based organizations in Western European civil society, and investigates whether the concept of muted vibrancy aids our theoretical understanding. Review “Raising the core question, ‘what would happen to welfare services in Europe if faith-based organizations ceased to exist,’ this book provides insight on a new approach to theoretical understanding of faith-based organizations in contemporary European society, grounded on empirical solid information. Given the long-term tension between religious and secular, the historical churches – both Catholic and Protestant – have sought to compensate for their weakening in church membership and attendance and their normative influence on ethical life issues, by developing new forms of societal engagement in line with the principles of the social doctrine of the churches and, to that extent, introducing new types of solidarity.” (Helena Vilaça, Professor of Sociology, University of Porto, Portugal) “This is a wonderfully illuminating book presenting a novel incisive assessment of the role played by religious-based organizations in deeply secularized Western Europe. By covering a representative selection of country cases, the volume addresses salient issues, such as their contribution to associational life, to the enrichment of the public debate and, therefore, to the advancement of democracy. Further, the analysis focuses on the activities deployed on behalf of the poor and the socially excluded, alleviating the long-lasting burden on welfare states generated by the crisis, intense immigration flows and deepening of inequalities. A must read for both comparative welfare scholars and students and policy-makers.”  (Ana M. Guillén, Professor of Sociology, University of Oviedo, Spain) “Understudied for too long, the relationship between religion and social policy is a key issue this volume tackles by providing detailed analysis of the social welfare involvement of faith-based organizations in eight Western European countries. This excellent volume suggests that, despite secularization, these organizations remain deeply involved in social provision, an area in which they exhibit ‘muted vibrancy.’ The volume is must read for scholars interested in the role of faith-based organizations in social policy.” (Daniel Béland, Canada Research Chair and Professor in Public Policy, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, Canada)    “This timely book makes a distinctive contribution to the growing literature on welfare and religion in Europe.  Drawing from political science perspectives, it is theoretically innovative and empirically rich.  In depth case studies bring to life the following paradox:  the growing presence of the churches in the delivery of welfare in an increasingly secular Europe.  I recommend it warmly.” (Grace Davie, Professor of Sociology, University of Exeter, UK) “The book is a fundamental contribution to social capital and social policy literature as it sheds new light on the influence of faith organizations, critically discussing the idea that secularization and loosing importance of religion are the only phenomena at play. By analysing theoretical issues in eight different case studies the book is a must read for all scholars interested in better understanding the relation between religion, politics and society in 21st century Wes