Secularisation Flashcards

Question

An alternative view: secularisation and security Norris and Inglehart (2011) EXISTENTIAL SECURITY THEORY

Answer 1

-Reject religious markettheory on the grounds that it only applies to America and fails to explain the variations in religiosity between different societies. -Reason for variations in religiosity between societies is not different degrees of religious choice but different degrees of existential security. -Existential Security is the feeling that survival is secure enough for it to be taken for granted. -Religion meets a need for security, and therefore societies where people already feel secure have a low demand for religion

Answer 2

-Societies where the majority of the population face threats to survival, vulnerability, and insecurity in their lives. -This may be due to factors like poverty, war, flood -These societies have high levels of religious participation because religion provides answers and reassurance about their future and the afterlife has an appeal. -Norris and Inglehart found that countries like Chad have high levels of religious participation

Answer 3

-Societies where the majority of the population grow up with feelings of well being, safety and confidence. They tend to be economically developed countries with welfare states. -Norris and Inglehart argue this is why countries like the UK, Sweden and Norwa are the most secular. High levels of existential security diminishes the need for religion.

Answer 4

-Some would suggest that existential security theory fails to explain why the USA is still highly religious. -Norris and Inglehart argue that this is not an ‘exception’ but the USA, although a prosperous country is a very unequal country. There are still very high levels of poverty and insecurity for the poorest groups in the USA, which may explain the high religiosity. Norris and Inglehart's argument is supported by Gill and Lundegaarde who found that the more a country spends on welfare, the lower the level of religious participation. They also note that in the past religious used to provide welfare for the poor, and still does so in poorer countries. However, from the 20th Century, the state in the West began to provide welfare and this contributed to religions decline

Answer 5

The approach of religious groups that look for the liberal interpretation of original religion texts or books believing that teachings obtain from these must be used in all social, economic and politics aspects. Stick to tradition look back to a golden age in past. Seek a return to the basic/ fundermenta of there faith. religious fundamentalist different from traditional religion. Arises when traditional beliefs or values are threatened or challenged by modern society and especially by the impact of an increasingly globalized economy

Answer 6

-An authoritative sacred text- Everything the bible says is true, no error interpretation, historical fact. (Aldridge can not interpratate what the think is true id there inteptation see it as fact instead of metaphoric) -An 'us and them' mentality- Separate themselves from rest of world -Aggressive reaction- Aggressive toward other Use modern technology- Oppose modern culture but keen to us modern technology to achieve aim -Patriarchy- Controls woman sexuality, reproductive power, social/ economic role Prophecy- Prophecy reviled in bible will take ace in contemporary society. like 'last day' Conspiracy theories- Attracted to this idea. Powerful hidden forces and organizations in control of human destiny

Answer 7

-Giddens- product of a reaction to globalization which undermines traditional social norms concerning the nuclear family, gender and sexuality (such as prohibiting of abortion, homosexuality, sex out side of marriage) -In todays 'late modern' society individuals faced with uncertainity, choice, risk -the attraction to fundamentalism and its rigided dominate beliefs in this certainty promises certainty in and uncertain world. -Davis- fundamentalism occurs where those who hold traditional orthodox beliefs & values are threaten by modernity & feel need to defend them selves agains it.

Answer 8

- Contrast fundamentalism. a way of thinking that embraces modernity & is in keeping with todays globalizing world. Tolerant of the view of other and open to new ideas, constantly reflecting on & modifying beliefs in the lights of new information ('Reflexive thinking') -required people to justify there views by the use of rational arguments and evidence rather than by appealing to sacred text.

Answer 9

-Beckford distinguish too sharply between cosmopolitanism and fundamentalism ignore 'hybrid' movement's -they are fixed on 'fundamentalism' ignore other developments -Giddens lumps all fundermentalis together -Giddens describes fundamentalism as a defensive reaction to modernity ignore fact that reinventing tradition is also a modern 'Reflective' activity

Answer 10

-Like Giddens Bruce sees main cause of fundamentalism is the perception of religious traditions threatened by todays globalising world -Bruce regard fundamentalism as being confident to monotheistic religions single god Christianity - Bruce thinks this is because monotheistic religions are based on the notation of God's will as relived through a single authoritative sacred text such as the Bible

Answer 11

In the West- Fundamentalism a reaction to change taking place within a society especially the trends towards diversity & choice typical of secular late modern society. Like New civil religion aim to reassert 'true' religion where religion shapes laws & morals Developing countries- Fundamentalism is usually a reaction to changes being put upon a society from the outside. It is triggered by modernisation and globalization in which 'western' values are imposed by foreign capitalism. Here fundamentalism involves resistance to the states attempts to sideline and confine to the private sphere.

Answer 12

Claims that due to globalization there are seven different civilisations in existence that transend national boarders. (Islamic, Western, Hindu, western, japiniese) Each of these 'civilisations' often unite against a common enemy & therefore constantly attempt to generate an "us and them" mentality. Religion major source of difference religious conflict becomes the battle ground of the civilisations. He says reason for rise in religious fundermentailm in Islam as Muslims attempt to fight the dominance of western Christian civilisation Religious conflict harder to resolve than political ones as deep rooted in culture & history. Religion creates hostile 'Us and them' relationships increased competition between civilisations for economy, power, military

Answer 13

Jackson- His work an example of orientalism wast ideologies stereotypes. Ester nationalities and people like Muslim untrustworthy inferior or fanatical 'others' & serves to justify exploration & human right abuse by west. Kern Armstrong- Hostility towards the west dosent stem from fundamentalist Islam but is a reaction to Western foreign policy in the middle east. The west has create oppressive regimes and contributes to support Israel despite its aggressive treatment of Palesine

Answer 14

Use data from world values server conclude that the issue that divided west from Muslim world is not democracy but gender and sexuality. Found that support for democracy is similarly high in the west & Muslim world but differences to attitudes towards divorce, abortion, gender equality. Wester attitudes liberal Muslims view remain traditional. Suggest last decade democracy become the political ideology to gain global appeal no global agreement on self expression values like tolerance on derversity gender equality freedom of speech. Believed this is real clash of civilizations between Muslim and western societies.

Answer 15

Function of religion in todays world as cultural defence. This is where religion serves to unite a community against an external threat. Religion has special significance for its followers because it symbolises the group or society collective identity. Defending the community against a threat often given religion a prominent role in politics.

Answer 16

Brought rapid economic growth, more important in world political stage, rising posterity Contradicts secularization thesis economic growth strengthens religiosity in India. In Hinduism MC sees wealth as divine blessing, not a reason to secularize. Religious Consumerism wealth funds rituals, temples, and spiritual guidance. Increased wealth has led to growth of Religious consumerism (temple donations, rituals, and services) Economic success is linked to Hindu identity, strengthening religious and nationalist sentiments.

Answer 17

Hinduism is closely tied to Indian identity, influencing politics, culture, and social values. Hindu ultra- nationalism the worship of Hindu gods has become the same as worshipping the national of India Hinduism has become a civil religion. Marginalization of Minorities Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs may feel excluded from national identity. Discrimination policies may favor Hindus over other faiths. Rise in violence fuel mob violence riots against minorities. Restrictions on religious freedom

Answer 18

Hard work & discipline is emphasize in both self-discipline and diligence essential for economic success. Wealth is to be reinvested rather than spent on luxury, fostering capital accumulation. In Calvinism, wealth is seen as a sign of God's favor, while post-confucianism views success as a result of virtue and effort.

Answer 19

Sociologist Berger argues that Pentecostal beliefs share key similarities with Weber’s Protestant Ethic as both promote economic success: hard work & discipline pentecostalism encourages a strong work ethic, self-discipline, and perseverance. Believers avoid wasteful spending and reinvest earnings, similar to Calvinists. Prosperity seen wealth as a sign of divine favor, encouraging economic ambition. Calvinism, wealth is seen as a sign of God's favor

Answer 20

-There are rough guidelines- Weber calls "ideal types". Not easy to place a particular group into one category. Many classifications made for Christianity may not apply to other faiths. -Weber & Troeltsch- first to attempt a classification of religious organizations and their distinction was between churches & sects. -Sociologists since then have developed other classifications. 5 major forms of religious categories.(not all examples fit into 1 category some overlap)

Answer 21

-Large universal membership -Inclusive membership (members are born into the church and recruited as children) -Large complex bureaucratic status and hierarchy and constantly tends to resemble large business organisations -Have professional salary clergy who undertake training follow our professional ethos, compete for promotion and receive pensions -Often formally tied to the state & ruling establishment

Answer 22

-Relatively large following -Many members from WC or LMC backgrounds -Some older denominations like Methodist inclusive membership people born into them and members tend to identify with their religion for life. Newer ones like Pentecostal mainly exclusive members. -Usually national organisations. Places of worship can in cities & towns across the UK. Tend to have formal bureaucracies & hierarchies. But tend to be looser than churches. Rarely have bishops. -Usually employed part time/ full time professional clergy, often unpaid volunteers. -Some require high level of commitment beyond attendance. Methodists- refrain from alcohol gambling. -Must live tolerantly alongside other religions & accept religious diversity. However, Penteconter see themselves as true religions and only they will be saved by god.

Answer 23

Bruce’s defined church as- large, institutionalized religion with state ties and societal dominance. Church of England Losing Church Status. Secularization declining attendance, reduced moral authority. religious pluralism growth of diverse faiths and secular beliefs. Denominationalism functions more like a denomination than a dominant church. Butler-Sloss- Britain’s religious landscape has changed, making the Church less relevant in modern society. Decline due to religious pluralism (growth of Islam, Hinduism, and secularism.) Fewer people identify as Church of England. less institutional role and less influence on law and morality.