Neosecularization and Craft Versus Professional Religious Authority in a Nonreligious Organization

Abstract

At the same time many religious organizations are apparently becoming more internally secularized, other nonreligious organizations appear to be going through a countervailing process of “sacralization” (Demerath). This study explores this development through a case study of a state university hospital that attempted to created a more “holistic” corporate culture. Extending research on the declining scope of religious authority (Chaves) and professional systems (Abbott), this study suggests that secular settings may be fertile ground for craft versions of religious authority to develop. Implications of the latter during an age when authority structures and caring tasks in general are being downsized and devolved are discussed.