Declining institutional sponsorship and religious orders: A study of reverse impacts

Journal/Book: Sociol Relig. 2000; 61: Marist Hall Room 108, Catholic Univ America, Washington, DC 20064, USA. Assoc Sociology Religion. 315-324.

Abstract: In recent decades, Catholic religious orders have largely withdrawn from an active presence in the day-to-day operations of their sponsored institutions. Recent mergers have similarly reduced their presence at administrative and board levels. While many studies have investigated the impact of this reduced presence on religious colleges, hospitals, and social agencies, few if any have studied the impact on the sponsoring orders themselves. The present paper uses a series of thirty extended, taped interviews to explore the implications of reduced or eliminated institutional presence on the internal functioning, group, identity, and spirituality of two communities of Catholic sisters. Some tentative implications are suggested for further research in other denominations.

Note: Article Wittberg P, Indiana Univ, Dept Sociol, 425 Univ Blvd, Indianapolis,IN 46202 USA

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