Tricia C. Bruce, PhD

Sociologist. Author. Researcher. Speaker.

Tricia C. Bruce, PhD, is a Senior Research Fellow with the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies, a 2025-2026 Affiliate of the Center for the Study of Religion & Society at the University of Notre Dame, President-Elect of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, and a five-time marathoner. She served previously as President of the Association for the Sociology of Religion, a papal-appointed consultor to the Synod on Synodality, and a tenured professor. She is the author of numerous award-winning books, articles, and reports in the sociology of religion and U.S. Catholicism.

Happenings

  • My New Role as Director of Springtide Research Institute

    I’ve embarked on a new adventure as Director of Springtide Research Institute. With a core focus on new generations and young people (ages 13-25), Springtide combines qualitative and quantitative research methods to produce large-scale, custom, and actionable scholarship. I’m excited… Continue reading

  • Filming Junipero Serra: Statue of Limitations

    I had a wonderful time participating as a scholar-expert for a new film by Paulist Productions, Junipero Serra: Statue of Limitations. The documentary brings a compelling look at the complicated legacy of Saint Junipero Serra, raising questions about historical preservation… Continue reading

  • Annual Meetings of ASA’s Sociology of Religion Section + Association for the Sociology of Religion

    As the 2022-2023 Chair of the Sociology of Religion Section for the American Sociological Association (ASA), I was thrilled to welcome participants, attendees, and awardees to our 2023 meetings in Philadelphia, PA, USA. The Sociology of Religion Section hosted an… Continue reading

    Annual Meetings of ASA’s Sociology of Religion Section + Association for the Sociology of Religion

  • Winning the Outstanding Applied Research AWARD!

    It’s an immense honor to be awarded the inaugural Outstanding Applied Research Award from the Religious Research Association! This national award recognizes “outstanding contributions to applied research on religion” evaluated by (1) implications for and impact on religious communities, leaders,… Continue reading

  • Appearance in PBS Film — Sabbath

    A film I had the honor of appearing in as a sociologist of religion — SABBATH — is now out! Produced by Martin Doblmeier and Journey Films, Sabbath explores the religious, historical, and social dimensions of rest-as-practice. Yonat Shimron writes… Continue reading

  • Religion & Reproductive Politics at the University of Chicago

    Thanks to the Martin Marty Center at the University of Chicago for hosting a rich, two-day conversation on religion and reproductive politics. I was honored to share insights from our in-depth interview study on Americans’ complex abortion attitudes and learn… Continue reading

  • religion news association 2023 Conference Panel

    Great to participate in an invited panel discussing “Roe v. Wade: The Next Chapter” at this year’s Religion News Association (RNA) Conference in Bethesda, MD. Thanks especially to Kimberly Winston for bringing together a mix of voices on this timely… Continue reading

    religion news association 2023 Conference Panel

  • Nominee for President, Association for the Sociology of Religion

    I am honored to be on the ballot this year as a candidate for president of the Association for the Sociology of Religion. As a long-time ASR member and current Council member, I look forward to future years of service… Continue reading

  • New Article in U.S. Catholic Historian

    U.S. Catholic Historian just released a special issue (Winter 2023) on parishes and communities featuring my article on the adaptive reuse of Catholic churches. I explore perceptions of “appropriate” and “inappropriate” reuse for former church buildings, drawing upon upon dozens… Continue reading

  • Winter Seminar 2023 @ the Louisville Institute

    It was a pleasure to once again serve as a small group facilitator for this year’s Louisville Institute Winter Seminar. Having attended several times (as both participant and facilitator), I come away each time invigorated and inspired by all the… Continue reading

engaging A Sociological Perspective

Reach out for media, speaking, or research queries.

Contact Me