Transcending the Religious Economy Model: Theoretical Modeling Based on Chinese Experience

Lu Yunfeng & Wu Yue

Published in Sociological Studies, 2024, Issue 3. 

Abstract: The religious economy model is the most influential and controversial paradigm in the sociology of religion in recent years. This paper focuses on how Chinese experiences can transcend this paradigm. To this end, we first sort out the origin and contribution of this paradigm and its application in China, and then put forward "expanding its research questions, preserving its research methods, and doubting its theoretical perspectives". The core is to inherit its theoretical modeling approach. This can not only broaden research questions, but also take the characteristics of Chinese religions as new assumptions and propose new theoretical models, such as the inclusive model and the diffused model. In the theoretical construction of disciplinary horizons, localization and internationalization of the sociology of religion theories are not conflicting but complementary, working together to promote the progressive development of the disciplinary knowledge system.

Keywords: religious economy model, Chinese experience, theoretical modelling, compatibility model, hybrid model