Existential Security Theory

Question 1

Who are the main proponents?

Answer 1

Norris and Inglehart

Question 2

What is the reason for variations in religiosity between societies?

Answer 2

Existential security- feeling that survival is secure enough that it can be taken for granted

Question 3

Poor societies vs rich societies

Answer 3

Poor societies/people : people face life threatening risks e.g. famine, poverty so high levels of insecurity resulting in high levels of religiosity

Rich societies: high SoL means that there is more security and lower levels of religiosity

Question 4

How does Norris and Inglehart’s perspective on the demand for religion differ from Stark and Bainbridge?

Answer 4

While Stark and Bainbridge argue that demand for religion is constant, Norris and Inglehart argue that it varies within and between societies based on existential security

Question 5

Vasquez’s response to the theory

Answer 5

Accepts that Norris and Inglehart offer a valuable explanantion for differing levels of religious participation

                       BUT They ignore positive reasons for religious participation, viewing it as a negative response to deprivation