Major Trends in Recent French Religious Research.

French religious research remains particularly interested in socio-historical studies and theoretical debates, especially centered around the classics. Research on individual socio-religious behavior has evolved toward previously neglected dimensions and the structure of religion as a system of meanings, particularly in the analysis of religious language. In socio-ecclesiastical research, trends emphasize the study of the division of religious labor, the power structure, and the social and cultural strategies of the various agents in the religious field Finally, with regard to religion and society, research focuses on the social, political, and ideological functions of religions and religious groups This paper does not intend to be an exhaustive, systematic report on the content of publications in French in the field of religious research. Its only aim is to call to the attention of those students of religion who are not usually in contact with such publications, some of the most visible and important trends in this literature. The works cited constitute a selective bibliography, which does not pretend to be a representative choice of the best works. Some of them are seminal essays or pioneering research, while others are only illustrative of the tendencies referred to in the report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]