Conversion to Orthodox Christianity and Class Culture among Finnish Cultural Professionals

The objective of the project is to understand conversion processes of Finnish cultural professionals who have adopted the Orthodox Christian faith as adults, and to examine how their projects of religious change are aligned with their class fraction subculture. In the study, the objective is tackled through a threefold focus on converts’ religious trajectories, practices, and self- identifications. The primary research material consists of qualitative interviews of converts. To conceptualize both conversion and class culture, the study
employs tools provided by Bourdieuan social theory. The study produces new knowledge on the variety of religious identities in Finland, and opens novel methodological paths in the study of religious conversion and religion and class. The research is funded by the Academy of Finland.