José Casanova (sociologist)

José Casanova (born 1951) is a Spanish sociologist specializing in the sociology of religion, globalization, and modernity. He is a Senior Fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University and Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Georgetown University.

Casanova received his Ph.D. in sociology from the New School for Social Research in 1982. His research has focused on the public roles of religion in modern societies, particularly in the context of globalization and secularization debates.

His most influential work is arguably his book, Public Religions in the Modern World (1994), which challenges the secularization thesis by arguing that religion has not necessarily declined in importance with modernization but has instead become more visible and engaged in the public sphere. The book examines the role of religion in Eastern Europe (particularly Poland), Spain, and Brazil, demonstrating how religious actors have shaped political transitions and social movements.

Casanova has also written extensively on topics such as Catholicism, secularism, immigration, and nationalism. His work has been translated into numerous languages and has had a significant impact on the fields of sociology of religion, political science, and international relations. He is considered a leading figure in the study of the relationship between religion and modernity.

His scholarship has further explored the complexities of secularization theories, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between religion, modernity, and the public sphere. He continues to contribute to debates about religion's role in a globalized world.