Social groups CAGE (beliefs)

Question 1

Miller and Hoffman (gender)

Answer 1

• 3 reasons why women are more religious than men;
• differential socialisation; females are taught to be passive, submissive and obedient which fit religion well
• structural locations; women work part time more than men and so are available to partake more
• risk; women are more averse to risk and more fearful of going to ‘hell’

Question 2

Davie (gender)

Answer 2

• women are closer to questions of life and death, being that having to carry the role in families and are more likely to think about the ultimate questions about the meaning of life
• women attracted to NRMs/NAMs because they offer positive experiences for women who are oppressed by traditional religions

Question 3

Stark and Bainbridge (gender)

Answer 3

• women are more likely to experience deprivation through poorer health, ethical and social deprivation which explains higher levels of sect membership
• may compensate for marginalised position in society

Question 4

Trends in ethnic differences

Answer 4

• 71% of population is Christian
• Muslims, Hindus and Black Christians are more likely to see religion as important
• minorities have higher participation rates

Question 5

Reasons for ethnic differences

Answer 5

• globalisation; most ethnic minorities migrate from countries where religion is values more and socialise this to their children
• Cultural defense (Bruce); argues religion offers support, cultural identity in an uncertain or hostile environment
• Cultural transition (Bruce); religion can be used to transition into a new culture

Question 6

Voas and Crockett (age)

Answer 6

• higher the age, higher the participation–> under 15s participate with schools and parents; over 65s disability and death rates
• the ageing effect; people turn to religion as they get older (Kendal project)
• the generational effect; as society gets more secular, new generations are less traditionally religious

Question 7

Social class

Answer 7

• Marx; FAIL
• Maduro; liberation theology
• Norris and Inglehart; existential security theory
• Weber; theology of disprivilege
• Nanda; ultra Hindu-nationalism