Religion, Medicine, Health & Illness – Overlaps and Intersections
A joint event from the BSA Sociology of Religion and Medical Sociology Study Groups
17 April 2026 (10am-4pm BST)
Hybrid (online via Teams and in person at University of Nottingham)
About the Event
Issues covered by the sociology of religion and medical sociology often overlap. However, the disciplines rarely intersect.
This event is an opportunity for shared learning between the two study groups and will be the first event of its kind. In coming together we hope to share experiences, research findings, and explore areas of mutual interest.
This first event will take a holistic and broad approach and presentations will address the following:
- Health inequality and religion
- Intersectional dynamics e.g. how health and religion intersect with issues of class, gender, age, disability, ethnicity, and sexuality
- Religion and disability
- Religion as a form of healing
- Religion and treatment options/healthcare decision making
- Experiences of healthcare practitioners and religion
- Reproductive health and religion
- Religious practitioners and health messaging
- Media representations of religion and health
- Methodological papers addressing religion and health
- Spiritual/self-care practices and health
Presentations will cover any aspect of relationship between sociology of religion and medical sociology/sociology of health and illness.
Registration
This event is free to attend, however, registration is required. Food will not be provided so please bring a packed lunch on the day.