Media, Religion and Gender

Mia Lövheim is a professor in Sociology of Religion based in the Faculty of Theology at Uppsala University, Sweden.

"Within the increasingly sophisticated literature on religion and media, theories and issues of gender have not previously received sustained attention. This book will be a landmark resource in helping those researching and studying in this field to think about how understandings of gender might inform their questions, methods and analysis."- Gordon Lynch, University of Kent, UK"This collection is a terrific corrective, reminding us how often gender is marginalized even in contemporary writings on religion. Cogent overview chapters on theory and method set the stage for a rich range of articles that cover experiences across diverse media. The interdisciplinary range promises to appeal to a wide range of readers." - Faye Ginsburg, New York University, USA"This book provides a thoughtful and timely introduction to an oft overlooked area by presenting a nuanced overview of the ways gender structures religious identities, traditions and representations within media cultures. Lövheim offers a clear and much needed critical reflection on what gender and feminist studies has to offer those who seek to explore issues of community, identity and power in relation to religious communities and media. She lays out a fruitful research agenda for current and future scholars." - Heidi A. Campbell, Texas A&M University, USA

• 1. Introduction: Gender - a Blind Spot in Media, Religion and Culture? Mia Lövheim 2. Media and Religion through the Lens of Feminist and Gender Theory Mia Lövheim 3. Revealing the Feminist Orientation in the Methodologies of the Media, Religion, and Culture Field Lynn Schofield Clark and Grace Chiou 4. Material Witnesses: Women and the Mediation of Christianity Pamela E. Klassen and Kathryn Lofton 5. Occupying Pews, Missing in News: Women, Religion and Journalism Joyce Smith 6. Danish Female Fans Negotiating Romance and Spirituality in The Twilight Saga Line Nybro Petersen 7. Lwa Like Me: Gender, Sexuality and Vodou Online Alexandra Boutros 8. Infertility, Blessings, and Head Coverings: Mediated Practices of Jewish Repentance Michele Rosenthal 9. Claiming Religious Authority: Muslim Women and New Media Anna Piela 10. Meanings and Masculinities Curtis Coats and Stewart Hoover 11. "Saving Grace": Television with "Something More" Diane Winston 12. Digital Storytelling: Empowering Feminist and Womanist Faith Formation with Young Women Mary Hess 13. Media, Religion and Gender: Key Issues and Future Challenges Mia Lövheim