Chapter 4- Ethnicity and Religion Flashcards
Religious commitment in Ethnic minority groups.
50% of Christians never attend church
23% of those of non christian faith
33% Christians practise faith
79% Muslim, 74% Sihk and 70% Hindu
One Sunday in 2007, 1 in 6 attending were african americans, 5x their proportion in the population
Calls for more schools of muslim and sikh faith, currently only 11 and 4 compared to 99% Christian. 59% population dislike ALL religious based schools.
1961
7 mosques
55,000 churches
2005
47,000 churches
1700 mosques
Islam and it’s identity in the UK
Since 2001, Muslim has been associated with negativity and has become master status. Many allow to become master status and try to challenge assumptions 70% under 25. BUT 38% under 25 want Sharia law (MIRZA)
MIRZA - Religiosity of young muslims is growing. This is due to three reasons
1) British foreing policy in the 21st century has been interpreted as anti muslim by some (Afghanistan and Iraq) turn inwards and stand against.
2) The emphasis on differential treatment to help feel accepted and to respect beliefs has led to more calls for more special treatment generating isolation and also resentment from other communities. In response they become more introverted and the differences and thus exclusion are accentuated.
3) Decline of other forms of identity ie class, TUs, political groups, ethnicity make young muslims identities more uncertain than that of their elders so they turn further into religion to make it their master status
Why are minority ethnic groups more religious?- Deprivation
Weber- Theodicy of disprivellge - RACISM
Marx- Opium of the people
2/3rds of Pakistani and Bangladeshi households are low income
Afro Caribbeans- High unemployment.
If cannot speak english and feel marginalised from the mainstream, religion provides a strong community support network and a sense of belonging.
Why are minority ethnic groups more religious? - Social Identity
JACOBSON- Researched young Pakistani muslims in East London. Religion was important to their identity as it gave them a sense of security in an otherwise uncertain world.
BUTLER- Interviewed 18-30 year old women in Coventry of muslim faith, said it was an important part of their identity but did not agree with all its teachings especially the sexist ones
JOHAL- Brasian, personal choice mix of british and asian culture.
Why are minority ethnic groups more religious? - community identity and cultural defence.
BRUCE-
Cultural defence - use religion as master status to defend its erosion from outside forces. Focal point for community identity.
Cultural Transition - Give support and identity. May be a show of social solidarity more than religious belief.
DURKHEIM-
Religion key to social integration, solidarity and identity.
MOOD ET AL
- Key to socialisation
- Means of upholding traditional morals
- Means of support with pressure and racism
DAVIE - Religious centres focus point for culture.
Why are ethnic minority groups more religious? - Family
Asian families tight knit and extended, huge community life = increased pressure to conform.
Ethnic minority faith
Asians:
Crucial relevance to their identity, not all the religious traits can be carried over to other countries (Polyandry, sexism, arranged marriages,caste law etc)
Afro-Carribeans : Quite religious but according to MOOD ET AL it is less integral to their sense of identity. 17% of those who attend christian churches Afro-Caribbean. Means to integrate.
