@article{ref1,
title="Becoming an Atheist in America: Constructing Identity and Meaning from the Rejection of Theism",
journal="Sociology of religion",
year="2011",
author="Smith, Jesse M.",
volume="72",
number="2",
pages="215-237",
abstract="This study explores the identity formation process of self-avowed atheists in the context of American culture. Drawing on data collected from participant observation and 40 individual in-depth interviews with atheists in Colorado, four stages of atheist identity development are presented: the starting point/the ubiquity of theism, questioning theism, rejecting theism, and &quot;coming out&quot; atheist. I argue that an atheist identity is an achieved identity, and one that is constructed in social interaction. Focusing on the interactional processes and narrative accounts of participants, I discuss the process of rejecting the culturally normative belief in God, and the adoption instead, of an identity for which the &quot;theist culture&quot; at large offers no validation. This research illustrates how identification with atheism in America becomes an important aspect of self for those who adopt this label. Further, it makes a qualitative contribution to our incipient understanding of the subjective experience and identities of actual atheists, as well as the dynamics of irreligion and unbelief in America--an area of inquiry within the sociology of religion that is in need of further development.<p />",
language="",
issn="1069-4404",
doi="10.1093/socrel/srq082",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/socrel/srq082"
}