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J.D. Davidson
Emeritus Professor of Sociology
James Davidson received his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame in 1969 and joined the faculty at Purdue University in 1968.
Specialization: Stratification, religion, and racial and ethnic groups
Courses: Taught (Last two years)
SOC 411 - Social Stratification
SOC 367 - Religion in America
SOC 567 - Religion in Social Context
SOC 568 - Religion and Society
He specializes in the sociology of religion. His current research is on religious stratification and trends among American Catholics. He is author or editor of eight books, including Catholicism in Motion (2005) and The Search for Common Ground (1997), which received the 1998 Research Award from the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. His articles have appeared in journals such as Social Forces, Social Problems, the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, Sociology of Religion, and the Review of Religious Research. He is president-elect of the Association for the Sociology of Religion. His previous posts include president of the Religious Research Association and the North Central Sociological Association; editor of the Review of Religious Research; and executive officer of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. He has won his department’s Excellence in Teaching Award and Indiana’s Community Service Award.
Positions at Purdue University
1987- Present Professor of Sociology
1972-87 Associate Professor of Sociology
1968-72 Assistant Professor of Sociology
Service to the Profession
Association for the Sociology of Religion
President - Elect, 2005
Council, 2002-05
Chair, Publications Committee, 1984 - 85; 1987 - 88
Religious Research Association
President, 1989 - 91
President - Elect, 1987 – 88
Board of Directors, 1979-82
Society for the Scientific Study of Religion
Executive Officer, 1987 -92
Executive Secretary, 1988 – 1993
Council, 1983 - 86
North Central Sociological Association
President, 1984 – 85
President - Elect, 1983-84
Chair, Nominating Committee, 1991 -92
Chair, Publications Committee, 1980 -82
Editor, Review of Religious Research, 1977 -80
Honors and Awards
Distinguished Visiting Professor, University of Dayton, 2001
Distinguished Service Award, North Central Sociological Association, 1989
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