Sociological and Anthropological Perspectives on Religion and Economy: Emerging Spiritualities and the Future of Work

Abstract

This issue of Studia Sociologia focuses on alternative forms of spiritualities and the proliferation of literatures and programs of self-development (Carrette and King, 2005) emerging in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). This thematic group organizes an extensive discussion centred on the ways in which these forms of religiosity/spirituality are constituted through bio-politic mechanisms of generating a productive subjectivity (Foucault, 2007, 2008) and through socioeconomic technologies of articulating a competitive and pro-active personality in the context of a new neo-liberal order (Dardot and Laval, 2014). The participating authors explore the emergence of alternative forms of spiritualities within the new post-socialist work environment and the increasing emphasis placed on the entrepreneurial development of the self; they seek to analyse the processes that converge towards supplying the post-socialist citizens with the motivational structures needed to become more competitive and productive in the global capitalist economy into which CEE countries have been incorporated in the past two decades. The analysis of these cultural and religious changes allows a deeper understanding of the implementation of capitalism and of the transformations it has generated in CEE countries during the last two decades and provides us with a more nuanced perspective on how economic processes are embedded and justified in the peripheries of Europe. The studies focus on a diverse set of problems ranging from the booming sector of personal development services, to startups and the local narratives of capitalism, to discussions related to shifts within the traditional religious fields and the emergence of innovative forms of spiritualized subjectivities that emphasize creativity and self-development of individuals.