Zubrzycki's Sociological Research on Nationalism and Religion
Zubrzycki is a distinguished comparative-historical and cultural sociologist. Her academic work focuses on the intricate intersections of national identity and religion, the construction of collective memory and national mythology, and the influence of visual culture and materiality on how societies perceive themselves.
Key Facts
- Specializes in the relationship between religion, nationalism, and material culture.
- Authored influential studies on post-communist Poland and secularism in Quebec.
- Recipient of multiple prestigious awards from the American Sociological Association (ASA).
- Co-editor of the journal Comparative Studies of Society and History.
- Researches the modern Jewish revival in Poland and the limits of performative solidarity.
Major Publications and Research
The Crosses of Auschwitz
Published by the University of Chicago Press in 2006, The Crosses of Auschwitz: Nationalism and Religion in Post-Communist Poland examines the bond between Polish national identity and Catholicism following the collapse of Communism. The research focuses on "memory wars" between Poles and Jews, specifically regarding the international controversy over Christian symbols at the Auschwitz-Birkenau site. This work was translated into Polish as Krzyże w Auschwitz and received accolades including the AAASS and Orbis Books Outstanding Book Award in Polish Studies (2007).
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Beheading the Saint
In Beheading the Saint: Nationalism, Religion and Secularism in Quebec (2016), Zubrzycki explores the evolution of identity in Quebec. She analyzes how a Catholic French-Canadian ethnic identity formed in the 19th century transitioned into a secular Québécois national identity by the late 20th century. The book also addresses contemporary debates on immigration, religious symbols in public spaces, and cultural heritage. It has been translated into both French and Polish and earned the ISSR Best Book Award in 2019.
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National Matters
Serving as both editor and author, Zubrzycki produced National Matters: Materiality, Culture and Nationalism (2017). This volume utilizes empirically rich case studies to investigate materiality—the physical objects and environments—and how material culture helps define and solidify national identity through everyday practices.
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Resurrecting the Jew
The 2022 publication Resurrecting the Jew: Nationalism, Philosemitism, and Poland's Jewish Revival investigates the contemporary resurgence of Jewish communities in Poland. Based on a decade of participant-observation and over one hundred interviews, the book examines how progressive Poles use this revival to decouple Polish identity from Catholicism. Zubrzycki raises critical questions regarding performative solidarity and the potential for cultural appropriation.
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Academic Leadership and Contributions
Beyond her books, Zubrzycki holds significant roles in the sociological community. She is the co-editor of Comparative Studies of Society and History and sits on the editorial boards of several journals, including the American Journal of Cultural Sociology and The Polish Review. Her leadership experience includes serving as the chair of the American Sociological Association's Sociology of Culture (2014–17).
She also provides expertise to various advisory boards, such as The Reckoning Project: Ukraine Testifies and the Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur la diversité et la démocratie at Université du Québec à Montréal.
Summary of Published Works
| Title | Year | Primary Focus | Key Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Crosses of Auschwitz | 2006 | Catholicism and National Identity | Poland |
| Beheading the Saint | 2016 | Secularism and Ethnic Identity | Quebec |
| National Matters | 2017 | Material Culture and Nationalism | Global/Various |
| Resurrecting the Jew | 2022 | Jewish Revival and Philosemitism | Poland |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of Zubrzycki's research?
Zubrzycki focuses on comparative-historical and cultural sociology, specifically studying how religion, national identity, collective memory, and material culture interact within different societies.
Which awards has the book "The Crosses of Auschwitz" received?
It received the AAASS and Orbis Books Outstanding Book Award in Polish Studies (2007), the ASA Sociology of Religion Section's Distinguished Book Award (2007), and the Biennial Kulczycki Book Prize (2008).
How does "Beheading the Saint" describe the change in Quebec's identity?
The book describes the transformation of a 19th-century Catholic French-Canadian ethnic identity into a secular Québécois national identity during the second half of the 20th century.
What methodology was used for "Resurrecting the Jew"?
The research utilized a decade of participant-observation in Jewish-related organizations in Poland, a Birthright trip to Israel, and more than one hundred interviews with both Jewish and non-Jewish Poles.
What is the significance of "National Matters"?
This work explores the role of materiality and material culture in the everyday practice of defining and solidifying national identity.