academic articles
My scholarly work explores the sociology of non-religion, with a focus on atheist activism and identity. A recurring theme across these publications is the tension between individualism and community. I am particularly interested in how non-believers navigate internal political conflicts, manage social stigma, and construct meaningful identities in a world that often defaults to belief.
For a complete overview of my professional experience and education, please see my CV.
2025
Eacersall, D., Pretorius, L., Smirnov, I., Spray, E., Illingworth, S., Chugh, R., … Simmons, J., et al. (2025). Navigating ethical challenges in generative AI-enhanced research: The ETHICAL framework for responsible generative AI use. Journal of Applied Learning & Teaching, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.37074/jalt.2025.8.2.9
2024
Simmons, J. (2024). Indigenous atheists in Canada: Challenging assumptions and navigating belonging. Secular Studies, 6(1), 62–83. https://doi.org/10.1163/25892525-bja10060
Simmons, J. (2024). The politics of nonreligion. In J. M. Smith & R. T. Cragun (Eds.), Secularity and nonreligion in North America: An introduction (pp. 152–170). Bloomsbury Academic.
2022
Sandhu, A., & Simmons, J. S. (2022). Police officers as filmmakers: The cinematography of body worn cameras. Policing and Society, 33(5), 593–603. https://doi.org/10.1080/10439463.2022.2160450
2020
Simmons, J. (2020). Feminist women’s attitudes towards feminist men in the Canadian atheist movement. Religion and Gender, 10(2), 182–201. https://doi.org/10.1163/18785417-01002002
Simmons, J., & Sandhu, A. (2020). Between Islam and Islamophobia: Stigma management among Canadian atheist activists. Secular Studies, 2(2), 117–137. https://doi.org/10.1163/25892525-bja10007
2019
Simmons, J. (2019). Politics, individualism, and atheism: An examination of the political attitudes of atheist activists in a Canadian city. Secularism and Nonreligion, 8, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.5334/snr.112
Simmons, J. (2019). Homeopathy as a form of practical magic. International Journal of Cultic Studies, 10, 32–40.
2018
Simmons, J. (2018). ‘Not that kind of atheist’: Scepticism as a lifestyle movement. Social Movement Studies, 17(4), 437–450. https://doi.org/10.1080/14742837.2018.1434500
2017
Simmons, J. (2017). Atheism plus what? Social justice and lifestyle politics among Edmonton atheists. Canadian Journal of Sociology, 42(4), 425–446.
2015
Simmons, J., & Kent, S. A. (2015). An expansion of the rational choice approach: Social control in the Children of God during the 1970s and 1980s. International Journal for the Study of New Religions, 6(1), 27–49. https://doi.org/10.1558/IJSNR.V6I1.20430
2012
Simmons, J. (2012). Positive psychology as a scientific movement. International Journal of Science in Society, 4(1), 43–52.
Theses
Simmons, J. S. (2018). Atheist identity and lifestyle among activists in Edmonton [Doctoral dissertation, University of Alberta].
Simmons, J. S. (2012). Positive psychology as a scientific movement: A case study in scientific legitimacy [Master’s thesis, University of New Brunswick].