A History of American Religious Factor According to the US Cultural Studies: a Sociological & Cultural Approach from Colonies to Globalization

Abstract

This paper offers a sociological and cultural global vision (fixing Sociology of Religion, Legal Sociology, Cultural Studies, etc.) about the American religious factor and its dimensions in various frameworks (i.e. religious liberty, Church-State relations, welfare state & solidarity). With this aim in mind, it begins with a brief notion of the evolution of religious issues, from colonial Sunday regulation or the Blue Laws, up to current regulation on freedom of religion and non-discrimination. Also, this paper offers a systematic set of diverse legal sources (i.e. Executive orders and rulings, Legislative statutes, Judicial cases and resolutions). This paper also evaluates the allegedly paradoxical policies and regulations referring to this issue during two previous presidential Administrations, those of CLINTON and G.W. BUSH.