MSU ALUMNUS TRACKS RELIGION, POLITICS

William "Bill" D'Antonio, '58, has added two books to his significant body of published works. In the first, he and his co-authors examine trends among American Catholics. In the second, he and his co-authors trace religion's sway over some U.S.Congress members.

American Catholics in Transition is a longitudinal study encompassing five surveys carried out at six-year intervals from 1987 to 2011. Findings show substantial changes in Catholics' attitudes and behavior, as well as many enduring trends in the explanation of Catholic identity.Co-authors are Michele Dillon and Mary L. Gautier.

Religion, Politics, and Polarization: How Religiopolitical Conflict Is Changing Congress and American Democracy examines how religious affiliations shape the way elected officials vote on such key issues as abortion, homosexuality, defense spending, taxes and welfare spending. Steven A. Tuch and Josiah R. Baker are co-authors.

D’Antonio is a sociologist at The Catholic University of America, where is a Fellow of the Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies, in Washington, D.C.. 

He earned his Ph.D. in sociology at MSU.