Fundamentalism and Clash of Civilisations

Question 1

Features of fundamentalism: us and them mentality

Answer 1

They separate themselves from the rest of the world and refuse to compromise with it.

Davie- they seek to establish islands of certainty against social/cultural chaos

Question 2

Features of fundamentalism: use of modern technology

Answer 2

They oppose modern culture which is corrupted by secularism and liberalism but they are keen to use modern techbology to reach their aims eg. televangelism

Question 3

What does Giddens argue is the source of fundamentalism?

Answer 3

It is a reaction to globalisation which undermines traditional social norms about family, gender etc.

Question 4

Giddens and Cosmpolitanism

Answer 4

A way of thinking which embraces modernity, is tolerant of other views and is open to new ideas. (Contrast to fundamentalism)

Question 5

Castells’ 2 responses to postmodernity

Answer 5

1. Resistance identity- a defensive reaction of people who feel threatened and join fundamentalist groups
2. Project identity- response of the forward looking who engage in social movements

Question 6

Beckford’s 2 criticisms

Answer 6

1. Distinguishes too sharply between cosmopotianism and fundamentalism, ignoring hybrid movements
2. Giddens lumps all types of fundamentalism together, ignoring important differences

Question 7

(Huntington) what unites a civilisation?

Answer 7

A common cultural background and an affilition with a major religion

Question 8

(Huntington) what is causing the clash of civilisations?

Answer 8

Religious differences foster us and them relationships which are harder to reconcile than political differences

Increased competition between them for economic and military power

Question 9

Casanova’s criticism of Huntington

Answer 9

Ignores important religious divisions between civilisations eg. Sunnis vs Shi’as