theoretical framework (digital enthnography)

[HifaMo]

Hi,

 

 

I'm new to the field of research. I'm writing my M.A research paper on the impact of cyberspace on religion, focusing on a minority religion linked to my country, which makes my research somewhat genuine.

 

So, I am using digital ethnography to study this online community.

 

So, my research question is "what is the impact of cyberspace on 'the name of the minority religion'?".

 

 

I'm confused with the theories I should use, and I cannot ask my supervisor because he gives just views.

 

1. Is "virtual community" a theory? Is it suitable for my research question?

 

2. What about "cyber-culture"? Is it a theory? 

 

3. And "computer-mediated communication"?

 

 

Please help. I am lost.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

[pears]

I wouldn't call any of these "theories," but rather, means of interacting with the world. A theory is more of a specific academic approach and mindset when analyzing issues. For example, as an archaeologist, I use processualist and processual-plus theories most often; other people may be post-processualists, feminist or Marxist archaeologists, or human behavioral ecologists.

 

You may want to browse Anthropological Theory (a journal) online, and look for textbooks that provide a guide to social theory. Charles Lemert has a good comprehensive guide to the history of social theory, and other books are available about more recent theories (post-structuralism and post-modernism, post-postmodernism... the list goes on).

 

Also, the University of Alabama has this (click for link) excellent brief review of many major theories, which I use for papers to make sure what I'm writing is consistent and accurate.

 

Hope that helps

[HifaMo]

Thank you, pears. 

Hope to see others' views.

[Canis]

Here's a recommendation for a bibliography on religion and the internet by Chas Clifton who is a prominent member of the AAR and does research in new/minority religions. This should be a good starting place for clarifying the theoretical approach you take for your research.

 

http://blog.chasclifton.com/?p=2034

Edited December 21, 2013 by Canis

[HifaMo]

Very helpful. 

Thank you