Education

 

Ph.D. in Sociology, 2008, University of Washington

M.A. in Sociology, 2002, University of Washington

B.S. in Sociology and Russian, 2000, Brigham Young University

 

Areas of Interest

 

Sociology of Religion

Sociological Theory

Historical and Comparative Sociology

Eastern European Studies

 

Current Courses

 

Introduction to Sociology (Soc 111)

Sociological Theory (Soc 300)

Research Methods (Soc 340)

Sociology of Religion (Soc 360)

Senior Thesis Seminar (Soc 495)

 

Other Courses Taught

 

Sociological Analysis (Soc 400)

 

Published Articles

 

Abel, Michael K. 2011. "Sources of Adolescent Faith: Examining the Origins of Religious Confidence." Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion. Volume 7, Article 5: http//www.religjournal.com.

 

Abel, Michael K. 2005. "Retention Strategies and Religious Success: A Regional Comparison of American Jews." Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion. Volume 1, Article 12: http://www.religjournal.com.

 

Abel, Michael K. 2000. "Communism and Religiosity: Communism's Influence on Public and Private Devotion in the Soviet Union." Writings 9:61-73.

 

Other Publications

 

Abel, Michael K, 2008. Contributor to Classroom Activities for Introductory Sociology Courses. Belmont, CA: Thomas Wadsworth

 

Works in Progress

 

Abel, Michael K., "The Power of Faith: Belief Content and Intensity and Their Impact on Religious Giving." Under Review.

 

Abel, Michael K., "Sacred Ties: Why Religion Inspires Confidence, Community, and Sacrifice." Book Manuscript.

 

Abel, Michael K. "A Theory of Religious Group Solidarity: Synthesizing Cultural and Rational Explanations of Religion." Manuscript

 

Kiser, Edgar and Michael K. Abel, "State-Making by Imitation: A Case Study of the Administrative Reforms of Peter the Great." Manuscript.

 

Abel, Michael K., "Until Death Do Us Part: Western Conceptions of Marriage and Marital Persistence." Manuscript. 

  

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