Beliefs in Society Flashcards

Question

What makes science different from ideology?

Answer 1

- Science aspires to be an open belief system (even through the existence of paradigms), science is open to criticism, scrutiny and change. - Religion and ideologies tend to be a closed belief system that are based on unchanging information that cannot be overturned or disproved.

Answer 2

**Theological stage** - Pre 18th century ( < 1700s) : Religious and superstitious beliefs are dominant; beliefs are not to question or debate. **Metaphysical stage** - 18th century (1700s): Philosophical beliefs are dominant; people can think rationally about what to believe. **Positive Stage** - 19th century onwards (1800 <): Science is dominant belief system; people believe only things that have been tested and proved to be true. Disenchantment.

Answer 3

The period of the application of rational principles and logic to the understanding, development and organisation of human societies.

Answer 4

Suggests that, in modernity, religious explanations and superstitions are gradually displaced by scientific explanations as many religious beliefs are shown to be false. For example, science proved that the Earth moved around the Sun and not vice versa as religion once taught, and the theory of evolution displaced the biblical account of the creation given in the Book of Genesis in the Christian Bible.

Answer 5

- Societies divide the world into sacred and profane ➗ - Ordinary objects can create powerful emotions of respect and awe 🥺 - Significance of the objects is what they symbolize - they must represent something, called totems (a representative symbol) ✝️ - The objects represent the collective conscience - a basic set of shared beliefs, norms and values which make social life possible 🕋

Answer 6

Things that members of society regard as special.

Answer 7

The ordinary, everyday things.

Answer 8

Tension and stress e.g. births and deaths threaten social harmony; therefore, ceremonies help deal with tension.

Answer 9

- Promotes social solidarity 👫 - Allows mechanism of adjustment ⚙️ - Allows control over individual behaviors 🎮

Answer 10

- Not everyone follows same religion 🚳 - Religion pluralism 🗳️ - Secularisation 💒 - Assumes religion’s beneficial for all 🏥 - Religion can create conflict 💥

Answer 11

1. Acts as the 'opium of the people' - tricking people into forgetting the pain of their oppression and accepting their exploitation. 2. It legitimises and maintains the power of Bourgeoisie (A Conservative Force).

Answer 12

- Promises an escape from current suffering through ideas of reincarnations and afterlife. - Offers potential of supernatural intervention. God will intervene to provide miracles or overcome 'evil'. - Justifies and exacerbates inequality.

Answer 13

- Explains clear link between religion and power. - Laws based on religious ideas. - Some religious laws are restrictive.

Answer 14

- Disagree that it is an instrument of the ruling class. - Religion has relative autonomy from the interests of the dominant ideology and instead can at times act as a force for social change.

Answer 15

Religion exerts control of women's bodies and behaviors.

Answer 16

- "I permit no women to teach or to have authority over men; she is to keep silent" Timothy 2:12 - "[If a single woman is raped by a man] the man who lay with her shall give 50 shekels of silver to the young woman's father, and she shall become his wife" Ephesians 5:22-23.

Answer 17

- Many religious texts show women as inferior to men & often their 'property'. - Women (Like Eve) are made in a man's image and are often seen as distracting or deviant. - God, Mohammed, the 12 apostles & Jesus are all men.

Answer 18

In literal interpretations of the Quran, women lack the same rights as men and are legally inferior to them.

Answer 19

- Religion is a 'sacred canopy' providing a shield from the uncertainties of life 🥯 - Religion provides a universe of meaning 🥩 - Religion provides a theodicy 🍔

Answer 20

Explanation for fundamental questions of human existence AND for inequalities and hardships suffered by individuals.

Answer 21

Science, logic and growing secularization has made religion obsolete.

Answer 22

Religion meets the needs of individuals when their sense of social order is disrupted by economic hardship, loneliness, grief, accidents, death, disease and ill-health.

Answer 23

All metanarratives are equally valid.

Answer 24

- Repeatedly failed to rise to the challenges humans face 🔥 - Science only serves ruling elite 👑 - Social media allows for counter-science conspiracy theories 📱 - Some people see the world as too 'hygienic'; science has removed much of the meaning from society 🫙

Answer 25

- The decline of metanarrative; fragmentation of belief, secularisation and the growth of do-it-yourself spirituality. 📖 - Religion as a consumer product and lifestyle and identity choice 💻 - Global spiritual supermarket in a media-saturated society 🛒 - ‘Vacuum of meaning' 🌌 - The Disneyfication of religion 🐭

Answer 26

Traditional beliefs are fragmented; people are less tied to organized religion and choose personalized beliefs, contributing to increased secularization.

Answer 27

Religion is now a personal choice, like a consumer product. People mix traditional, New Age, and secular beliefs to craft their identities.

Answer 28

Global media allows access to diverse beliefs, enabling people to create customized spiritual identities.

Answer 29

With traditional beliefs losing relevance, people seek new sources of meaning, turning to new religious movements and New Age ideas.

Answer 30

Religion markets itself like entertainment, blending with consumerism and pop culture to attract followers, similar to Disneyland's approach.

Answer 31

Metanarratives: A generalized belief system or theory which postmodernists reject as they claim a 'monopoly on truth'. Instead, postmodernists argue that science and religion are just one story amongst many.

Answer 32

- Never been a female pope.

Answer 33

The teachings of many religions place women as carers/mothers to be defended by men. This teaches women to be submissive and subordinate to men in society.

Answer 34

Aldridge suggests veils are a way of controlling and anonymizing women, making them less powerful in society.

Answer 35

Focus on the meanings that people attach to religion. For example, considering the meanings that individuals have for different religious symbols.

Answer 36

- It provides a universe of meaning. - Provides a theodicy - explanation for fundamental questions of human existence AND for inequalities and hardships suffered by individuals. - Religion is a 'sacred canopy' providing a shield from the uncertainties of life.

Answer 37

- Echoes the concerns of Berger, as well as functionalists, as they examine the meaning and the functions of religion for individuals in society. - See religion meeting the needs of individuals when their sense of social order is disrupted by economic hardship, loneliness, grief, accidents, death, disease and ill-health.

Answer 38

They regard many religious institutions as patriarchal - serving the interests of men - with religious beliefs reflecting a patriarchal ideology which justifies, reinforces and reproduces inequality based on male dominance and control of women by men.

Answer 39

- Religion is traditional and upholds traditional customs and beliefs to how society should be organized. - It functions to conserve or preserve the status quo.

Answer 40

**Religion as a force for change:** - Calvinist beliefs (like hard work, discipline, and saving) helped create the “spirit of capitalism” a mindset focused on profit, efficiency, and self-denial - He called the link between religion and capitalism an “elective affinity” an unconscious similarity between the two

Answer 41

- Predestination - Divine Transcendence - Asceticism - The idea of vocation or calling

Answer 42

- God has predetermined which souls will be saved. - The individual can do nothing to change this. - Salvation anxiety (not knowing if heaven or hell awaited).

Answer 43

- God is so immortal and great that no human can claim to know his will (including priests). - This gives rise to loneliness. - This combined with predestination created what Weber refers to as salvation panic.

Answer 44

- Abstinence, self-discipline and self-denial. - Live a simple life as Jesus did.

Answer 45

- Other word asceticism: a calling to serve God (Monks) used to be the only calling. - We work to glorify God's name. - Idleness is a sin, no luxury, long working hours.

Answer 46

1. Allowed Calvinists to cope with their salvation panic. 2. Reinforced the gains of more wealth. The spirit of modern capitalism.

Answer 47

- Some argue that slavery, colonialism, and exploitation not just Protestant beliefs were more important in the rise of capitalism

Answer 48

A calling to serve God, historically associated with Monks.

Answer 49

World asceticism, emphasizing work to glorify God's name and viewing idleness as a sin.

Answer 50

1. Allowed Calvinists to cope with their salvation panic. 2. Reinforced the gains of more wealth.

Answer 51

Some argue that slavery, colonialism, and piracy were more important than Calvinist beliefs in capital accumulation.

Answer 52

Capitalism developed late in Scotland despite the presence of Calvinism.

Answer 53

- Capitalism developed before Calvinist beliefs, driven by economic and technological change — not religion. - The bourgeoisie adopted religious ideas to justify and maintain their position.

Answer 54

- Weber's theory lacks validity - Based on assumptions rather than evidence.

Answer 55

Weber overestimates ideas and underestimates economic factors.

Answer 56

He examined the relationship between religion and social change, comparing religiously inspired protest movements in the USA.

Answer 57

A movement that emerged in the 1960s within the Catholic Church, opposing military dictatorships and committing to helping the poor in Latin America.

Answer 58

1. Deepening rural poverty. 2. Human rights abuses by military dictatorships. 3. Commitment of priests to human rights and the poor.

Answer 59

A well-established religious body.

Answer 60

Includes boards, committees, task groups, nurture groups, and councils.

Answer 61

Through encouragement or invitation.

Answer 62

Generally benign or denying.

Answer 63

1. A text. 2. A god. 3. A place for worship.

Answer 64

1. Large formal organisation 🗂️ 2. Hierarchy of paid officials 📊 3. Claims a monopoly of truth 💰 4. Appeals to all of society 🛣️ 5. Close relationship to the state👨‍⚖️ 6. Accepts wider society 📏 7. Inclusive 👐 8. Partial commitment 🚶‍♂️

Answer 65

He split religion into three groups: - World-rejecting - World-accommodating - World-affirming

Answer 66

Groups that oppose the world, rejecting dominant norms and values, and replacing them with alternative beliefs and practices. Example: Amish.

Answer 67

Groups that accept dominant norms and values of society, living similar lifestyles. Example: Church of England.

Answer 68

Groups that accept society as it is, offering self-improvement opportunities. They may engage in deviant or obscure practices. Most similar to cults.

Answer 69

8.6 million.

Answer 70

A recognized branch of a mainstream religion, e.g., Catholicism.

Answer 71

Typically hierarchical with organizations and officials.

Answer 72

To follow and worship.

Answer 73

Rejection.

Answer 74

He argued that the term 'Church' is now almost obsolete, as most societies experience a diverse array of beliefs.

Answer 75

A situation with a variety of different religions and beliefs, where no one belief holds a monopoly of truth.

Answer 76

Churches and denominations are seen as respectable and mainstream, while sects and cults are often viewed as deviant.

Answer 77

He suggested that the terms 'sect' and 'cult' should be replaced with 'New Religious Movement' to avoid stigma.

Answer 78

- Different views from their mainstream religion - Existing in conflict with society - Strict discipline on members

Answer 79

Cults are loosely knit and open, while sects are tightly knit with strong demands on commitment.

Answer 80

He suggests that individual focus and expression, distinguish cults from sects.

Answer 81

1. Audience Cults. 2. Client Cults. 3. Cultic Movements.

Answer 82

Cults requiring little commitment, often acting as entertainment. Example: Astrology.

Answer 83

Cults offering services to followers, seen as customers. Example: Scientology.

Answer 84

Cults where members may give up aspects of their life, offering a complete spiritual package. Example: Heaven's Gate Cult.

Answer 85

Attempts by sociologists to move away from value judgments attached to sects and cults.

Answer 86

1. Somewhat religious. 2. Most followers are young adults. 3. High turnover of members. 4. Charismatic leader. 5. Certainty in beliefs. 6. Divide between members and non-members. 7. Suspicious of wider society. 8. Often short-lived.

Answer 87

Movements emphasizing self-spirituality, allowing individuals to choose beliefs and practices while rejecting established traditions.

Answer 88

1. Belief in natural healing. 2. Nature as sacred. 3. Inner potential realization. 4. Mysticism and clairvoyance. 5. Belief in fate through tarot or astrology. 6. Belief in extra-terrestrials. 7. Feminist spirituality.

Answer 89

- Emphasis on the self 🧘‍♀️ - Belief in Connectedness 🪢 - Self as the highest authority 👑 - Global cafeteria of beliefs 🍔 - Therapy focus 🧠

Answer 90

NAMs lacks features like - premises - leaders - shared beliefs making it hard to regard as a movement.

Answer 91

1. Part of the dominant ideology. 2. Born into belief. 3. Socialization. 4. Fulfill a need.

Answer 92

1. Practical/Pragmatic reasons. 2. Secularization.

Answer 93

Self-religions appeal to educated individuals seeking meaning and community during crises.

Answer 94

People may find traditional religions ritualistic and seek comfort and community in NRMs.

Answer 95

In postmodern society, a lack of faith in meta-narratives leads individuals to seek meaning through New Age ideas.

Answer 96

Factors include socialisation, motherhood, greater life expectancy, social deprivation, and status frustration.

Answer 97

Women's participation in religious activity has been declining since the late 1980s.

Answer 98

1. Feminism. 2. Changing women's roles. 3. Changing families and relationships.

Answer 99

Women are more likely to experience poverty, personal problems, and marginalization, leading them to seek self-improvement.

Answer 100

The shared culture and traditions of a particular national or social group.

Answer 101

A social group whose cultural identity differs from that of the majority population.

Answer 102

An identity defined primarily by the ethnic group to which an individual belongs.

Answer 103

Christianity.

Answer 104

The largest Christian group among British African Caribbeans, emphasizing experience over doctrine.

Answer 105

A religion that emerged in Jamaica, regarding Haile Selassie I as a god figure and associated with reggae music.

Answer 106

Religion among African Caribbeans is less important to their ethnic identity compared to Asian communities.

Answer 107

Asian groups had to establish their own places of worship, while Caribbean immigrants shared dominant Christian beliefs.

Answer 108

1. Community identity and cultural defense. 2. Social deprivation, marginality, and status frustration. 3. Family pressures. 4. Social identity.

Answer 109

Religion can act as a focal point for community identity and cohesion, asserting cultural pride.

Answer 110

Higher religiosity in minority ethnic groups may maintain tradition and community solidarity.

Answer 111

People may turn to religion for identity and community that they lack in mainstream society.

Answer 112

Tightly knit family structures in Asian communities create pressure to conform to religious values.

Answer 113

Religion provides markers of identity, helping resist denial of status and cultural devaluation.

Answer 114

Younger British Asians have forged a hybrid identity called 'Brasian', blending British and Asian cultures.

Answer 115

An identity that is undesirable or demeaning, hindering full acceptance in society.

Answer 116

An increase in religiosity and identification with Islam among young second- and third-generation Muslims.

Answer 117

An identity that is in some way undesirable or dreaming and stops an individual or group from being fully accepted by society.

Answer 118

Found an increase in religiosity and identification with Islam among young second- and third-generation Muslims, shown by things like more younger Muslim women wearing the headscarf (hijab), greater identification with the worldwide Muslim community, and growing membership of Islamist political groups and youth associations.

Answer 119

Disengagement, Religious Socialisation, Ill-health and death.

Answer 120

As people get older, they become more detached from the ways of integrating into society.

Answer 121

Older people are more likely to have been brought up in a less secular society where religion was valued more highly.

Answer 122

Religion can provide comfort through this process.

Answer 123

Young people have found other avenues to express their spirituality, e.g., through celebrity, sport, music, and the environment.

Answer 124

Declining attraction and pragmatic reasons.

Answer 125

Religion is seen as uncool and out of touch.

Answer 126

Expanded spiritual marketplace - In postmodern society, young people have access to greater choice and create their own 'pick-n-mix' beliefs.

Answer 127

Privatisation of belief - Young people treat their beliefs as a more private matter.

Answer 128

Religion in society has become less prevalent, and young people are less likely to believe.

Answer 129

There is far less religious specific education in the UK today; 100 years ago half of children went to Sunday school, in 2000 that was around 1 in 25.

Answer 130

The link between social class and religion.

Answer 131

Churches and denominations, Sects, cults, and the New Age.

Answer 132

60% of people who attend churches are 'middle class', 38% of working class people.

Answer 133

Tend to have higher participation amongst the working classes.

Answer 134

Marginalized groups, often lower classes.

Answer 135

Middle classes due to the costs involved.

Answer 136

Varies; some appeal more to middle class groups, while others have higher belief rates amongst working class women.

Answer 137

Industrial capitalism would eradicate religion, making it unnecessary.

Answer 138

As modern industrial society develops into capitalism, it becomes more underpinned by rationalisation.

Answer 139

Religion will lose some function as an integrating force in modern society as it evolves.

Answer 140

Outdated, loss of status of religious ministers, functions taken over by the welfare state, preference for alternatives, changing leisure patterns, growth of science, decline of metanarratives, religious pluralism.

Answer 141

The loss of the capacity to experience a sense of sacredness and mystery in life.

Answer 142

The growth of scientific explanations and technology has undermined religious faith and beliefs.

Answer 143

Traditional disapproval of behaviors like divorce and homosexuality appears to have little impact on people's behavior.

Answer 144

Metanarratives like religion have lost their power to influence how people think, leading to individual control over beliefs.

Answer 145

In 2007, only around 2% of the population attended religious services on most Sundays.

Answer 146

Fewer than one-fifth of babies are now baptized, compared with about two-thirds in 1950.

Answer 147

A decline in religious practice does not necessarily mean a decline in belief.

Answer 148

The renewal and continuing vitality of religious beliefs.

Answer 149

The influence of such groups is marginal and cannot replace established churches.

Answer 150

Church buildings closing, low pay for clergy, education, secular holidays, less connection to the state.

Answer 151

Religious organizations compete in the spiritual marketplace for customers, leading to greater variety and improved quality of religious products.

Answer 152

Many people still show signs of religiosity, and not all denominations are declining.

Answer 153

The coexistence of multiple religious beliefs, promoting tolerance and dialogue.

Answer 154

Relativism and decline in absolute authority, secularization and individualism.

Answer 155

Religions compete in a spiritual marketplace, leading to constant demand for religion.

Answer 156

In competitive markets, there is a wider variety of choice for individuals.

Answer 157

Highly competitive, high participation rates, no official national religion, large supply of diverse organizations.

Answer 158

State endorsed religion, limited supply of religious ideas, smaller range of organizations.

Answer 159

Religious market theory fails to explain high levels of belief in countries with limited supply of spiritual ideas.

Answer 160

Existential Security Theory - belief rates are highest in countries with low existential security.

Answer 161

USA, where high poverty exists.

Answer 162

The blurring or severance of social, political or cultural practices from their original places.

Answer 163

Globalisation has led to growing religious diversity and a deterritorialization of religion.

Answer 164

Islam has been reconstituted as a transnational religion, emphasizing a worldwide community.

Answer 165

Clash of civilisations, rise of fundamentalism, and the global spiritual supermarket.

Answer 166

Religion and religious identity can lead to conflict between different civilisations.

Answer 167

Globalisation has spurred revitalisation of religious traditions and culture wars.

Answer 168

Globalisation threatens religious freedom through regulation of worship and practices.

Beliefs in Society Flashcards

(201 cards)