The Anthropology of Religion section (ARS) was created in 1997 by the integration of three previously existing scholarly groups: the Anthropology of Religion Interest Group (affiliated with the AAA), the Society for the Anthropology of Religion (an independent non-profit organization), and an informal group of anthropologists who were working separately toward the formation of a section. In January 2000, the name was changed to Society for the Anthropology of Religion (SAR), the same name but an organization different than that of one of the founding groups.
The section has been formed to facilitate teaching and research in the anthropological study of religion. This includes anthropological approaches to religion from all the subdisciplines: cultural anthropology, archaeology, physical anthropology, etc. We also intend to encourage and help provide avenues for enhanced communication among scholars sharing the interests of anthropology and religion.
SAR is governed by four officers, the immediate past president or president-elect (as available), and eight members-at-large, at least one of whom is a student. Further information on governance can be found at our information page.
The formation of an anthropology of religion section within the AAA is an exciting development which we all hope will re-energize the field in the years ahead.