Professor
Department of Sociology
University of Memphis
Clement Hall, Room 209
Memphis TN 38152
Phone: (901) 678-3341
Fax: (901) 678-2525
lpetersn@memphis.edu





Larry Petersen is Professor of Sociology and Coordinator of Graduate Studies. He received his Ph.D. from Washington State University in 1977. His main areas of teaching interests are the sociology of the family and the sociology of religion. The major focus of his religion research has been on sources and consequences of religious commitment.

Dr. Petersen's most recent publications examine the role that religious plausibility structures (networks of individuals who share similar religious beliefs) play in sustaining traditional beliefs about such things as premarital sex, gay rights, and gender roles. These publications also examine whether or not participation in religious plausibility structures counteracts education's liberalizing influence on beliefs about such things as abortion and literal interpretations of the Bible.

Dr. Petersen teaches courses on the Sociology of Religion and Marriage and the Family.

SOCI 3831 Marriage & Family
Mate Selection
6 Styles of Love
Exchange Theory
Marital Conflict Theory
Systems of Mate Selection

SOCI 7860 Seminar in Sociology of Religion
The Sacred Canopy Presentation
What Sociology Students of Religion Should Know