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This article discusses the views advanced by sociology Richard Jenkins in his book "Foundations of Sociology: Towards a Better Understanding of the Human World." The title of the book suggests ambition; one might expect to find the groundwork for a substantial structure. Disappointingly, these foundations are intended for the discipline as it now stands; something of a rickety shed. The result is very good of its kind, but any dreams of majesty are quickly buried. Jenkins is altogether more sensible than most people in the field of sociology. His book is worth criticizing precisely because it offers the strongest available case for sociology as it is currently conceived in this country. If even this thoroughly ecumenical version of social theory fails to lead us out of trouble -- clear, reasonable, and empirically interested as it is -- then it should be evident that more of the same will not do. The introductory chapters on the nature of sociology are admirably all-embracing, with social anthropology, social history and social psychology, augmented by bits of social policy and cultural studies, seen as parts of the field. The subsequent discussion of how culture relates to society is clear-sighted and useful. An analysis of the human world is the heart of the book, with individuals, interactions and institutions being identified as the principal categories for study. Jenkins makes it plain that humans are physical creatures living in a real, natural world, and devotes a chapter to drawing out the implications.

One way of measuring religious affiliation is to look at rites of initiation such as baptism. English statistics show that for the first time since the Church of England was founded, less than half the nation is Anglican on this criterion. The pattern of formal religious transmission changed during the Second World War. Previously christening was quasi-universal, and the Church of England was the preferred provider. By the end of the war baptism was evidently optional, and chosen principally by parents whose religious identities matched. Further analysis suggests that affiliation now tends to be lost following marriage to someone from a different religious background, though the USA differs from Europe in this respect. A demographic theory of advanced secularization is outlined that specifies a proximal cause for declining religious affiliation, and provides tools for predicting the changes to be expected over future decades. The theory also helps to explain why affiliation may fall most quickly where there is most religious diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]