Religion + ethnicity Flashcards
(19 cards)
What does ‘ethnicity’ refer to?
Social groups which share a common cultural heritage including language, customs, traditions and sometimes religion
Why is the relationship between ethnicity and religion not always fixed?
Ethnic groups can include multiple religious beliefs and different ethnicities may share the same religion
What does durkheim say that religion is crutial for
fosstering social cohesion with bothe religious and ethnic communities
What does Durkheim say that religion can offer in multi-ethnic societies?
a common set of beliefs or values (shared values/ value consensus)
What does durkheim say religion can help to maintain?
social order and solidarity between the members of the ethnic communities
What does Durkheim say religion can be a source of?
cultural resilience- bringing people together
How is religion a source of empowerment?
- can be a source of empowerment for ethnic minorities who face discrimination or marginalization
- Provides ethnic minorites with a source of purpose, community and strength when they face social exclusion
example of religion being a source of empowerment
African American religious movements such as black Christianity
who came up with the cultural defense theory?
Bruce
What was Bruce’s theory?
Cultural defense theory
Cultural defense theory (Bruce)
- Ethnic minorities use religion as a defense mechanism against the pressures of cultural dominance in the societies they have migrated to
- allows them to stick to their previous culture and preserve their ethnic identity and sense of community
What does Bruce say that religion allows ethnic minorities to do?
-allows them to stick to their previous culture and preserve their ethnic identity and sense of community
What term does Bruce use to describe religion?
‘social tool’
Why does Bruce argue that religion is a ‘social tool’?
It preserves cultural practices
Example of Bruces ‘cultural defence mechanism’
It is common for many Muslim communities in Britian, acting as a defense against cultural erosion
Birds theory
‘cultural transition theory’
Birds ‘cultural transition theory’
- Religion can help individuals in ethnic minority communities navigate the process of migration and adapting to a new culture
How does Birds theory of ‘cultural transition’ state that religion helps people adapt into new cultures?
- It offers opportunities for social networking and community support allowing do continuity and stability
4 main points of religion and ethnicity
- Durkheim
- Birds
- bruce
- religion as a source of empowerment
