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This document discusses evidence presented against the idea of secularization in society. It points to the rise of new religious movements and sects as a form of "resacralization" as traditional religions decline. However, others argue that these smaller religious groups have little real impact and mainly appeal to outsiders. The document also notes evidence of "individuation" where people pick and choose religious beliefs rather than belonging to institutions, but some data shows declining attendance and belief. Fundamentalist religious ideas are growing in some areas, but may only appear significant because they stand out in an otherwise secular context. Finally, cultural defense of identity or support in cultural transition can boost religion, but this may be due to its role in identity rather than
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Secularisation (Part 1): Britain
AQA A2 Sociology. Secularisation in America and criticisms of the secularisation theory in my next upload!
SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
Religion can act as both a conservative and progressive force in society. Some sociologists see religion as preserving traditions and the status quo, while others like Weber argue it can encourage social change, using the example of Calvinism giving rise to the Protestant work ethic and capitalism. Liberation theology in Latin America showed how the Catholic church mobilized against dictatorships and for the poor, acting as an agent of social change. However, religious movements may fail to bring widespread change if they do not connect with mainstream beliefs, as with the New Christian Right in the US.
Unit 3 Sociology: Beliefs in society
Religion plays complex and varied roles in society according to different sociological perspectives. Functionalists view religion as primarily serving conservative functions by promoting social solidarity and stability. However, Marxists see religion as an ideological tool used by the ruling class to legitimate inequality. Feminists argue that most religions reflect and reinforce patriarchal values and the subordination of women. Some sociologists such as Weber view religion as capable of driving social change, while others see it more as a conservative force seeking to maintain traditional beliefs and social structures. Debates also exist around secularization and the declining importance of religion in modern societies.
Postmodernity
This document discusses several theories that challenge the idea that religion is declining with modernization and secularization. It presents the views of scholars like Davie, Hervieu-Leger, and Lyon who argue that religion is not declining but changing form. Davie introduces the concepts of "believing without belonging" and "vicarious religion" to describe how people still hold religious beliefs but do not regularly attend services. Hervieu-Leger describes the rise of "spiritual shopping" where individuals construct their own beliefs rather than inheriting traditional religious identities. Lyon argues that in postmodern society, religion has become relocated through media, consumerized as people pick and mix beliefs, and the world has become re-enchanted with
Sociology of Religion
This document discusses several key topics related to the sociology of religion:
1) It defines religiosity and the different ways people can express or experience religion.
2) It outlines Ernst Troeltsch's typology of religious organizations as ecclesia, church, sect, and cult. It then describes the characteristics of each type.
3) It discusses some of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology on how religion affects society and individuals, such as the functionalist, conflict theory, and rational choice perspectives. Religion can both unite and divide society.
Religious Fundamentalism and Cultural Defence
The document discusses religious fundamentalism and its relationship to globalization. It identifies five key characteristics of religious fundamentalism, including seeking to return to traditional beliefs and avoiding contact with those holding different views. Fundamentalism is seen as a reaction against a globalizing world that undermines traditional social norms by providing certainty in an uncertain environment. Two types of responses to postmodernity are identified: resistant identity through fundamentalism and project identity through engagement with social movements. Criticisms of analyses of fundamentalism are discussed, including that they overlook hybrid religious movements and differences between types of fundamentalism. The document explores the origins and examples of fundamentalism in the West and Third World.
A2 Sociology Beliefs - Religious Organisations and Movements
This document outlines different types of religious organizations:
- Churches are large with millions of members and are linked to the state. They see their interpretation as correct.
- Sects are small and exclusive, demanding real commitment from members. They see themselves as having the monopoly on truth.
- Denominations are between churches and sects - they are less exclusive and tolerant of other religions.
- Cults are loosely organized, individualistic groups that are seen as deviant by wider society.
Religion in a Global Context (1)
Globalization has led to rapid economic growth and rising prosperity in India, creating an urban middle class. However, contrary to predictions, this class has become more religious rather than less. Hinduism legitimates Indian nationalism and the middle class's newfound consumerism. It reconciles traditional renunciation of desires with materialism by teaching that desires reflect divinity when used to motivate work. Similarly, modernized versions of Hinduism allow rituals to "spiritually balance" consumerism. This has contributed to a "Hindu ultra-nationalism" but also widening divisions with religious minorities.
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Secularisation (Part 1): Britain
AQA A2 Sociology. Secularisation in America and criticisms of the secularisation theory in my next upload!
SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
Religion can act as both a conservative and progressive force in society. Some sociologists see religion as preserving traditions and the status quo, while others like Weber argue it can encourage social change, using the example of Calvinism giving rise to the Protestant work ethic and capitalism. Liberation theology in Latin America showed how the Catholic church mobilized against dictatorships and for the poor, acting as an agent of social change. However, religious movements may fail to bring widespread change if they do not connect with mainstream beliefs, as with the New Christian Right in the US.
Unit 3 Sociology: Beliefs in society
Religion plays complex and varied roles in society according to different sociological perspectives. Functionalists view religion as primarily serving conservative functions by promoting social solidarity and stability. However, Marxists see religion as an ideological tool used by the ruling class to legitimate inequality. Feminists argue that most religions reflect and reinforce patriarchal values and the subordination of women. Some sociologists such as Weber view religion as capable of driving social change, while others see it more as a conservative force seeking to maintain traditional beliefs and social structures. Debates also exist around secularization and the declining importance of religion in modern societies.
Postmodernity
This document discusses several theories that challenge the idea that religion is declining with modernization and secularization. It presents the views of scholars like Davie, Hervieu-Leger, and Lyon who argue that religion is not declining but changing form. Davie introduces the concepts of "believing without belonging" and "vicarious religion" to describe how people still hold religious beliefs but do not regularly attend services. Hervieu-Leger describes the rise of "spiritual shopping" where individuals construct their own beliefs rather than inheriting traditional religious identities. Lyon argues that in postmodern society, religion has become relocated through media, consumerized as people pick and mix beliefs, and the world has become re-enchanted with
Sociology of Religion
This document discusses several key topics related to the sociology of religion:
1) It defines religiosity and the different ways people can express or experience religion.
2) It outlines Ernst Troeltsch's typology of religious organizations as ecclesia, church, sect, and cult. It then describes the characteristics of each type.
3) It discusses some of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology on how religion affects society and individuals, such as the functionalist, conflict theory, and rational choice perspectives. Religion can both unite and divide society.
Religious Fundamentalism and Cultural Defence
The document discusses religious fundamentalism and its relationship to globalization. It identifies five key characteristics of religious fundamentalism, including seeking to return to traditional beliefs and avoiding contact with those holding different views. Fundamentalism is seen as a reaction against a globalizing world that undermines traditional social norms by providing certainty in an uncertain environment. Two types of responses to postmodernity are identified: resistant identity through fundamentalism and project identity through engagement with social movements. Criticisms of analyses of fundamentalism are discussed, including that they overlook hybrid religious movements and differences between types of fundamentalism. The document explores the origins and examples of fundamentalism in the West and Third World.
A2 Sociology Beliefs - Religious Organisations and Movements
This document outlines different types of religious organizations:
- Churches are large with millions of members and are linked to the state. They see their interpretation as correct.
- Sects are small and exclusive, demanding real commitment from members. They see themselves as having the monopoly on truth.
- Denominations are between churches and sects - they are less exclusive and tolerant of other religions.
- Cults are loosely organized, individualistic groups that are seen as deviant by wider society.
Religion in a Global Context (1)
Globalization has led to rapid economic growth and rising prosperity in India, creating an urban middle class. However, contrary to predictions, this class has become more religious rather than less. Hinduism legitimates Indian nationalism and the middle class's newfound consumerism. It reconciles traditional renunciation of desires with materialism by teaching that desires reflect divinity when used to motivate work. Similarly, modernized versions of Hinduism allow rituals to "spiritually balance" consumerism. This has contributed to a "Hindu ultra-nationalism" but also widening divisions with religious minorities.
Religion and social change 2
This document discusses Marxist views on religion and social change. It addresses how religion can both inhibit and encourage change, providing examples like liberation theology. Liberation theology emerged in Latin America in response to poverty and human rights abuses. While the Catholic Church condemned it, liberation theology resisted state terror and mobilized the poor. The document also examines millenarian movements, which promised immediate improvement for the poor, and cargo cults in Melanesia responding to colonial exploitation. Religion can be used to maintain social control but also challenge the status quo through alternative visions or clergy supporting workers' organizations. Case studies show how religious leadership, organization, and support influenced levels of class conflict and militancy.
Week 15: Collective Behavior and Social Change
Collective behavior involves large groups acting together in an unplanned manner and can take various forms such as crowds, mass behavior, social movements, and social change. Crowds are temporary gatherings that share a focus and can become suggestible, while dispersed collectives like mass behavior involve people spread over a wide area sharing common information sources. Social movements aim to promote or resist social change through organized collective action. Theories of social movements examine factors like deprivation, resources, and the social construction of issues. Frame analysis explores how social movements define problems, solutions, and motivations to mobilize participants.
Secularisation
The document discusses secularization, defined as changing something from religious control or influence to a non-religious status. It outlines five characteristics of secularization including declining religious participation and loss of prestige of religious institutions. It presents the secularization thesis that industrialization and modernization inevitably lead to secularization. However, criticisms argue this overlooks variations between societies and new religious movements in secular societies. Contemporary views show an ongoing debate around secularization trends.
AQA A2 SCLY4 sociology complete revision
A complete revision PowerPoint for the whole on unit 4 A2 sociology, covering crime and deviance and theory and research methods.
Sociology AQA Beliefs in Society Revision Notes
This document discusses definitions of religion from substantive, functional, and social constructionist perspectives. It then examines functionalist perspectives on religion from Durkheim and others. Marxism and feminism are presented as conflict theories that are critical of religion. Theories of social change in relation to religion are discussed, including Weber on Calvinism and capitalism. Secularization is analyzed using theories from Weber, Parsons, Wilson, and Berger. Finally, religious choice theories are outlined, such as Davie's concept of "believing without belonging."
GCE Sociology Revision (AQA)- Unit 1 Theories of the family (3)
The document provides an overview of different sociological perspectives on the family, including functionalism, the New Right perspective, Marxism, feminism, and postmodernism. It discusses the key assumptions and views of each perspective. Functionalists see the family as fulfilling essential functions for society, such as socializing children and stabilizing adults. They argue it is universally important. The New Right emphasizes traditional gender roles and family self-reliance. Marxism views the family as reinforcing class inequality and capitalism. Feminism highlights the family's role in oppressing women. Postmodernism rejects defining the family structure and sees greater diversity today due to more choices and rapid change.
A2 Sociology: Marxist Theories of Religion
Marxist theories view religion as an ideological tool used by the ruling capitalist class to justify the suffering of the working class and prevent class uprising. Religion tells the poor their suffering will be rewarded in the afterlife. Feminist theories also see many religions as patriarchal institutions that reflect and perpetuate the subordination of women through religious beliefs, organizations, texts, and customs. However, some feminists argue religion has not always oppressed women and it does not do so in all forms. The role of women in some religions is changing as certain churches now allow women to hold positions of religious authority.
Secularisation
Secularization can be defined as the decline of religion where religious beliefs, practices, and institutions lose importance or influence in society. Based on evidence from the 1851 census, it is estimated that 40% or more of Britain's adult population attended church on Sundays, compared to much lower rates today. Some key changes that have occurred include a decline in the proportion going to church, an increase in the average age of churchgoers, fewer baptisms and church weddings, a decline in traditional Christian beliefs, and greater religious diversity. In 1966, Bryan Wilson argued that Western societies had been undergoing a long-term process of secularization defined as religion losing social significance, as seen in the decline of church attendance in Britain from 40
A2 Sociology: Defining Relgion
Sociologists define religion in three main ways - substantive, functional, and social constructionist. Substantive definitions focus on religious beliefs like belief in God or the supernatural. Functional definitions see religion as serving social or psychological functions. Social constructionist definitions say religion cannot be universally defined and definitions are contested and influenced by those in power. Durkheim saw religion as reinforcing social solidarity through rituals and collective worship. Malinowski and Parsons argued religion helps individuals cope with stress and finds meaning. Bellah's concept of civil religion described religion uniting American society through rituals like pledging allegiance. Lenin and Marx viewed religion as a tool for ruling classes to control populations by masking exploitation.
Chapter 6 deviance and social control ppt
This document provides an overview of deviance and social control. It defines deviance as a violation of social norms and discusses how both acts and individuals can be defined as deviant. The document then examines several sociological theories that aim to explain deviance, such as structural-functionalism, social control theory, and conflict theory. It also discusses the role of the criminal justice system and different types of crimes. The document concludes by looking at prisons as total institutions and alternatives to incarceration.
Labelling theory
This document introduces the concept of labelling theory in criminology. It discusses three key points:
1. Labelling theory argues that deviance is a social construct - certain acts are defined as criminal or deviant due to moral entrepreneurs labelling them as such, not because the acts are inherently harmful.
2. Once labelled, individuals may engage in secondary deviance by adopting the deviant identity ascribed to them through the labelling process. This can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of increased criminal behavior.
3. Labelling and differential enforcement of laws can spark a process of deviance amplification, where attempts to control certain groups end up increasing rather than decreasing deviant acts, due to the
Conspiracy Theory
The document defines and discusses conspiracy theories from several perspectives. It provides definitions of conspiracy theories, explores why people believe in them, and examines different types. Some key points covered include:
- A conspiracy theory is an allegation that an event was secretly planned and carried out by powerful individuals.
- Proposed reasons for belief in conspiracy theories include a need to explain significant events and regain a sense of control or trust.
- Conspiracy theories have been categorized based on the alleged conspirators (insiders vs outsiders), scale (single events vs broad histories), and objectives (malevolent vs benevolent).
- While often dismissed, some conspiracy theories have turned out to be true upon investigation of events like Watergate
Ethnicity (Crime and Deviance)
The document discusses statistics on ethnic representation in prisons and alternative sources of data on offending rates. Black people are overrepresented in prisons compared to their population percentage. Victim surveys and self-report studies have found mixed or similar rates of offending across ethnic groups, challenging the stereotype of higher black criminality. However, ethnic minorities experience disproportionate stops/searches and higher arrest and conviction rates, suggesting discrimination within the criminal justice system.
Crime and deviance
Crime and deviance can be summarized as follows:
1) Crime involves breaking formal laws while deviance breaks social norms but may not be illegal. Different theories seek to explain the causes and functions of crime and deviance in society.
2) Marxism views crime as resulting from the exploitation and alienation of the working class under capitalism. Functionalism sees crime as serving functions like reinforcing social norms.
3) More recent theories include strain theory, which links crime to inability to achieve societal goals, and control theory, where weak social bonds increase criminal behavior.
Beliefs in Society AQA Sociology Paper 2
The document discusses different sociological perspectives on defining and understanding religion. It covers substantive, functional, and social constructionist definitions of religion. It also examines various sociologists' perspectives such as Durkheim, Malinowski, Parsons, and Bellah. Additionally, it analyzes Marxist, feminist, and other critical perspectives that view religion as an ideological tool for legitimizing power structures in society.
Secularisation in America
Bruce argues that America is becoming increasingly secular based on three pieces of evidence: declining church attendance, secularization from within religious institutions, and growing religious diversity and relativism. He cites studies showing that reported church attendance rates have remained steady at 40% but have actually been declining based on churches' own records. Additionally, American religion has become more psychologized, focused on personal improvement rather than salvation, and less committed to traditional beliefs. Religious views have also become more relativistic and accepting of different beliefs.
Anthro30 13 deviance, crime and social control
Here are my responses to the questions about Peter:
1) Peter comes into contact with both informal and formal social control. His mother and visiting carer represent informal social control as they are close personal figures in his life. The bowling center represents formal social control as it is an organized institution.
2) Peter's mother likely applies negative informal sanctions when Peter tries to act independently without help. As his mother, she fulfills an informal social control role and would scold him or express disapproval to enforce proper behavior in her view.
3) At the bowling center, Peter's friends would represent informal social control. As fellow bowlers, they are peers rather than authorities and would apply positive informal sanctions like praise or encouragement to
Crime and deviance complete revision
1. The document discusses several theories of crime and deviance, including functionalism, strain theory, and subcultural theories.
2. Functionalism argues that crime has positive functions for society by reaffirming social norms, while strain theory proposes that individuals engage in deviant acts when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals through legitimate means.
3. Subcultural theories suggest that some groups develop their own norms and values in opposition to the dominant culture in response to status frustration or a lack of opportunity, which can lead to criminal behavior.
Key Points of Geertz
Clifford Geertz was an influential American anthropologist known for his approach of "thick description" to understand cultures. He argued that culture consists of webs of meaning understood through interpreting symbols, actions, and artifacts within their social contexts. Geertz used ethnographic fieldwork and semiotic analysis to develop thick descriptions that untangled the complex conceptual structures of other cultures. His interpretive approach aimed to understand cultures from the perspective of the people within them rather than imposing outside frameworks.
Crime and Deviance - Functionalist Approach
This document summarizes key aspects of functionalist explanations of deviance. It discusses two important functionalist theorists - Emile Durkheim and Robert Merton. It outlines Durkheim's view that crime is a normal and inevitable part of society that can serve functions like strengthening social solidarity. It also discusses Merton's strain theory, which argues that a mismatch between cultural goals and legitimate means to achieve them can result in deviant behavior. The document also notes criticisms of functionalism and outlines alternative approaches like interactionism.
SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
This document provides an overview of key sociologists and concepts related to beliefs in society. It discusses substantive and functional views of religion, as well as social constructivist perspectives. The document also outlines theories of religion such as Functionalism, Marxism, and Feminism. Additional topics covered include defining religion, religion as a conservative or changing force, and arguments regarding the secularization thesis. Links to exam materials like question papers and mark schemes are also provided.
SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
There are generally considered to be four main types of religious organizations: churches, sects, denominations, and cults. Churches are large, mainstream religious bodies that represent major world religions. Sects are smaller, committed groups that form in protest of churches. Denominations were once sects that became institutionalized over time. Cults have flexible membership and disagreements exist around their precise definition, but they tend to focus on individual experiences and bringing like-minded people together. Religious organizations can also be classified as world-affirming, world-rejecting, or world-accommodating based on their relationship to secular society.
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This document discusses Marxist views on religion and social change. It addresses how religion can both inhibit and encourage change, providing examples like liberation theology. Liberation theology emerged in Latin America in response to poverty and human rights abuses. While the Catholic Church condemned it, liberation theology resisted state terror and mobilized the poor. The document also examines millenarian movements, which promised immediate improvement for the poor, and cargo cults in Melanesia responding to colonial exploitation. Religion can be used to maintain social control but also challenge the status quo through alternative visions or clergy supporting workers' organizations. Case studies show how religious leadership, organization, and support influenced levels of class conflict and militancy.
Week 15: Collective Behavior and Social Change
Collective behavior involves large groups acting together in an unplanned manner and can take various forms such as crowds, mass behavior, social movements, and social change. Crowds are temporary gatherings that share a focus and can become suggestible, while dispersed collectives like mass behavior involve people spread over a wide area sharing common information sources. Social movements aim to promote or resist social change through organized collective action. Theories of social movements examine factors like deprivation, resources, and the social construction of issues. Frame analysis explores how social movements define problems, solutions, and motivations to mobilize participants.
Secularisation
The document discusses secularization, defined as changing something from religious control or influence to a non-religious status. It outlines five characteristics of secularization including declining religious participation and loss of prestige of religious institutions. It presents the secularization thesis that industrialization and modernization inevitably lead to secularization. However, criticisms argue this overlooks variations between societies and new religious movements in secular societies. Contemporary views show an ongoing debate around secularization trends.
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A complete revision PowerPoint for the whole on unit 4 A2 sociology, covering crime and deviance and theory and research methods.
Sociology AQA Beliefs in Society Revision Notes
This document discusses definitions of religion from substantive, functional, and social constructionist perspectives. It then examines functionalist perspectives on religion from Durkheim and others. Marxism and feminism are presented as conflict theories that are critical of religion. Theories of social change in relation to religion are discussed, including Weber on Calvinism and capitalism. Secularization is analyzed using theories from Weber, Parsons, Wilson, and Berger. Finally, religious choice theories are outlined, such as Davie's concept of "believing without belonging."
GCE Sociology Revision (AQA)- Unit 1 Theories of the family (3)
The document provides an overview of different sociological perspectives on the family, including functionalism, the New Right perspective, Marxism, feminism, and postmodernism. It discusses the key assumptions and views of each perspective. Functionalists see the family as fulfilling essential functions for society, such as socializing children and stabilizing adults. They argue it is universally important. The New Right emphasizes traditional gender roles and family self-reliance. Marxism views the family as reinforcing class inequality and capitalism. Feminism highlights the family's role in oppressing women. Postmodernism rejects defining the family structure and sees greater diversity today due to more choices and rapid change.
A2 Sociology: Marxist Theories of Religion
Marxist theories view religion as an ideological tool used by the ruling capitalist class to justify the suffering of the working class and prevent class uprising. Religion tells the poor their suffering will be rewarded in the afterlife. Feminist theories also see many religions as patriarchal institutions that reflect and perpetuate the subordination of women through religious beliefs, organizations, texts, and customs. However, some feminists argue religion has not always oppressed women and it does not do so in all forms. The role of women in some religions is changing as certain churches now allow women to hold positions of religious authority.
Secularisation
Secularization can be defined as the decline of religion where religious beliefs, practices, and institutions lose importance or influence in society. Based on evidence from the 1851 census, it is estimated that 40% or more of Britain's adult population attended church on Sundays, compared to much lower rates today. Some key changes that have occurred include a decline in the proportion going to church, an increase in the average age of churchgoers, fewer baptisms and church weddings, a decline in traditional Christian beliefs, and greater religious diversity. In 1966, Bryan Wilson argued that Western societies had been undergoing a long-term process of secularization defined as religion losing social significance, as seen in the decline of church attendance in Britain from 40
A2 Sociology: Defining Relgion
Sociologists define religion in three main ways - substantive, functional, and social constructionist. Substantive definitions focus on religious beliefs like belief in God or the supernatural. Functional definitions see religion as serving social or psychological functions. Social constructionist definitions say religion cannot be universally defined and definitions are contested and influenced by those in power. Durkheim saw religion as reinforcing social solidarity through rituals and collective worship. Malinowski and Parsons argued religion helps individuals cope with stress and finds meaning. Bellah's concept of civil religion described religion uniting American society through rituals like pledging allegiance. Lenin and Marx viewed religion as a tool for ruling classes to control populations by masking exploitation.
Chapter 6 deviance and social control ppt
This document provides an overview of deviance and social control. It defines deviance as a violation of social norms and discusses how both acts and individuals can be defined as deviant. The document then examines several sociological theories that aim to explain deviance, such as structural-functionalism, social control theory, and conflict theory. It also discusses the role of the criminal justice system and different types of crimes. The document concludes by looking at prisons as total institutions and alternatives to incarceration.
Labelling theory
This document introduces the concept of labelling theory in criminology. It discusses three key points:
1. Labelling theory argues that deviance is a social construct - certain acts are defined as criminal or deviant due to moral entrepreneurs labelling them as such, not because the acts are inherently harmful.
2. Once labelled, individuals may engage in secondary deviance by adopting the deviant identity ascribed to them through the labelling process. This can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of increased criminal behavior.
3. Labelling and differential enforcement of laws can spark a process of deviance amplification, where attempts to control certain groups end up increasing rather than decreasing deviant acts, due to the
Conspiracy Theory
The document defines and discusses conspiracy theories from several perspectives. It provides definitions of conspiracy theories, explores why people believe in them, and examines different types. Some key points covered include:
- A conspiracy theory is an allegation that an event was secretly planned and carried out by powerful individuals.
- Proposed reasons for belief in conspiracy theories include a need to explain significant events and regain a sense of control or trust.
- Conspiracy theories have been categorized based on the alleged conspirators (insiders vs outsiders), scale (single events vs broad histories), and objectives (malevolent vs benevolent).
- While often dismissed, some conspiracy theories have turned out to be true upon investigation of events like Watergate
Ethnicity (Crime and Deviance)
The document discusses statistics on ethnic representation in prisons and alternative sources of data on offending rates. Black people are overrepresented in prisons compared to their population percentage. Victim surveys and self-report studies have found mixed or similar rates of offending across ethnic groups, challenging the stereotype of higher black criminality. However, ethnic minorities experience disproportionate stops/searches and higher arrest and conviction rates, suggesting discrimination within the criminal justice system.
Crime and deviance
Crime and deviance can be summarized as follows:
1) Crime involves breaking formal laws while deviance breaks social norms but may not be illegal. Different theories seek to explain the causes and functions of crime and deviance in society.
2) Marxism views crime as resulting from the exploitation and alienation of the working class under capitalism. Functionalism sees crime as serving functions like reinforcing social norms.
3) More recent theories include strain theory, which links crime to inability to achieve societal goals, and control theory, where weak social bonds increase criminal behavior.
Beliefs in Society AQA Sociology Paper 2
The document discusses different sociological perspectives on defining and understanding religion. It covers substantive, functional, and social constructionist definitions of religion. It also examines various sociologists' perspectives such as Durkheim, Malinowski, Parsons, and Bellah. Additionally, it analyzes Marxist, feminist, and other critical perspectives that view religion as an ideological tool for legitimizing power structures in society.
Secularisation in America
Bruce argues that America is becoming increasingly secular based on three pieces of evidence: declining church attendance, secularization from within religious institutions, and growing religious diversity and relativism. He cites studies showing that reported church attendance rates have remained steady at 40% but have actually been declining based on churches' own records. Additionally, American religion has become more psychologized, focused on personal improvement rather than salvation, and less committed to traditional beliefs. Religious views have also become more relativistic and accepting of different beliefs.
Anthro30 13 deviance, crime and social control
Here are my responses to the questions about Peter:
1) Peter comes into contact with both informal and formal social control. His mother and visiting carer represent informal social control as they are close personal figures in his life. The bowling center represents formal social control as it is an organized institution.
2) Peter's mother likely applies negative informal sanctions when Peter tries to act independently without help. As his mother, she fulfills an informal social control role and would scold him or express disapproval to enforce proper behavior in her view.
3) At the bowling center, Peter's friends would represent informal social control. As fellow bowlers, they are peers rather than authorities and would apply positive informal sanctions like praise or encouragement to
Crime and deviance complete revision
1. The document discusses several theories of crime and deviance, including functionalism, strain theory, and subcultural theories.
2. Functionalism argues that crime has positive functions for society by reaffirming social norms, while strain theory proposes that individuals engage in deviant acts when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals through legitimate means.
3. Subcultural theories suggest that some groups develop their own norms and values in opposition to the dominant culture in response to status frustration or a lack of opportunity, which can lead to criminal behavior.
Key Points of Geertz
Clifford Geertz was an influential American anthropologist known for his approach of "thick description" to understand cultures. He argued that culture consists of webs of meaning understood through interpreting symbols, actions, and artifacts within their social contexts. Geertz used ethnographic fieldwork and semiotic analysis to develop thick descriptions that untangled the complex conceptual structures of other cultures. His interpretive approach aimed to understand cultures from the perspective of the people within them rather than imposing outside frameworks.
Crime and Deviance - Functionalist Approach
This document summarizes key aspects of functionalist explanations of deviance. It discusses two important functionalist theorists - Emile Durkheim and Robert Merton. It outlines Durkheim's view that crime is a normal and inevitable part of society that can serve functions like strengthening social solidarity. It also discusses Merton's strain theory, which argues that a mismatch between cultural goals and legitimate means to achieve them can result in deviant behavior. The document also notes criticisms of functionalism and outlines alternative approaches like interactionism.
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GCE Sociology Revision (AQA)- Unit 1 Theories of the family (3)
GCE Sociology Revision (AQA)- Unit 1 Theories of the family (3)
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SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
This document provides an overview of key sociologists and concepts related to beliefs in society. It discusses substantive and functional views of religion, as well as social constructivist perspectives. The document also outlines theories of religion such as Functionalism, Marxism, and Feminism. Additional topics covered include defining religion, religion as a conservative or changing force, and arguments regarding the secularization thesis. Links to exam materials like question papers and mark schemes are also provided.
SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
There are generally considered to be four main types of religious organizations: churches, sects, denominations, and cults. Churches are large, mainstream religious bodies that represent major world religions. Sects are smaller, committed groups that form in protest of churches. Denominations were once sects that became institutionalized over time. Cults have flexible membership and disagreements exist around their precise definition, but they tend to focus on individual experiences and bringing like-minded people together. Religious organizations can also be classified as world-affirming, world-rejecting, or world-accommodating based on their relationship to secular society.
SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
The document discusses arguments for secularization from three perspectives:
1) A decline in religious thinking and belief as rationality and science have become more influential.
2) A decline in religious practice as seen by decreasing rates of attendance at religious ceremonies and participation in sacraments.
3) A decline in the power and influence of religious institutions as they adapt traditions and see declining vocations to the clergy.
SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
Norris and Inglehart's existential security theory argues that religion fills a need for security. They believe societies where people feel more secure will have lower religious participation rates. Poor societies are likely to have higher religious participation as people feel less secure, while rich societies that provide welfare benefits are likely to have lower religious participation as people feel more secure existentially. However, global population growth may undermine the trend towards secularization by increasing insecurity.
SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
This document provides a scheme of work for a sociology course on beliefs in society (unit 3). It outlines the course details including code, level, dates, location and lecturer. It then discusses how the course will incorporate government policies on equality of opportunity and every child matters. The document lists learning objectives and content for topics like functionalism, Marxism, gender and feminism, age and class, and secularization. It recommends secondary materials and suggests preferred learning methods. It also includes aims and objectives, content areas, and assessment links for each topic.
Religious Organisations
This document discusses various typologies for classifying religious organizations, including churches, sects, denominations, and cults. It summarizes the views of scholars like Troeltsch, Niebuhr, Wallis, Stark and Bainbridge on how these religious groups can be categorized based on factors like their relationship with wider society, commitment level demanded of members, exclusivity of beliefs, and leadership structure. The document also examines explanations for the growth of new religious movements in recent decades, such as marginalization, relative deprivation, and social change. It outlines theories on the typical life cycle and dynamics of sects over time as well as examples of established sects that have endured.
Secularization sociology
The document discusses different perspectives on secularization and the role of religion in modern societies. It questions whether secularization is truly happening, noting that many religions have grown since World War II. It explores potential "engines" of secularization like the Protestant Reformation, rise of nation states, capitalism and scientific revolution. It also considers whether religion has truly been privatized or taken on more creative forms of resistance beyond being a last gasp of fundamentalism.
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The document discusses how some see the rise of new media as part of a shift from modern to postmodern society. It argues that according to sociologist Baudrillard, we live in a media-saturated world where media images distort and dominate our view of reality, to the point where the line between reality and media representations blurs. Examples like reality television shows are said to blur this line further by creating artificial realities for audiences and participants.
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Marriage is defined as the legal union between a man and woman. Reasons for cohabitation instead of marriage include changing social attitudes, availability of contraception, and greater independence of young people. Divorce has become more common and accessible over time due to changes in women's rights and economic independence. There are now many types of diverse families including those distinguished by culture, class, and life stage.
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Huntington argued that there are 7 major civilizations - Western, Orthodox, Islamic, Sinic, Hindu, Japanese and Latin American/African - and that conflicts will emerge along the dividing lines of these civilizations, especially between the Western and Islamic worlds. However, critics argue that Huntington's theory oversimplifies conflicts and ignores other important factors like economic and political interests, as well as differences in views on issues like individualism, gender equality and sexuality between societies.
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1) Gender is defined by sociologists as the social and cultural differences between masculinity and femininity rather than the biological differences between sexes.
2) From birth, individuals are socialized into gender through practices like dressing, naming, toys/books given which prepare individuals for different roles in society based on their gender.
3) While legislation has promoted more equality, sociologists argue that gender inequality still exists in areas like the workplace where women are more likely to be in lower level jobs and face barriers to promotion.
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Some sociologists would agree that males are more likely to commit crimes than females due to differences in primary socialization and opportunities to commit crimes. However, others disagree because crime statistics may be inaccurate since males face higher rates of arrest and charges. Additionally, the chivalry thesis suggests that females receive more lenient treatment in the criminal justice system since it is male-dominated. In conclusion, there are many complex reasons for apparent gender differences in crime rates that are still debated among sociologists.
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The document discusses key sociological concepts including culture, identity, norms and values, and socialization. It defines culture as things like concerts, buildings, food, language, and clothes, while defining society as things like schools, hospitals, police, towns, shops, industry, and government. It asks how personal identity comes from things like clothes, music, home, and job, while social identity comes from age, gender, status, ethnicity, and association. Finally, it defines norms as guidelines for behavior and values as beliefs about what is good and bad, and explains that primary socialization involves learning from close family, while secondary socialization expands learning to outside the family.
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This document outlines aims for answering short style questions: to answer as many questions as possible to identify weaknesses for last-minute revision, increase confidence, and prepare for an upcoming exam.
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Here are some potential positive and negative consequences of divorce for each group:
For the husband and wife:
Positive: Opportunity for personal growth and happiness in a new relationship.
Negative: Financial difficulties from single parenthood or splitting assets. Emotional distress.
For the family:
Positive: Conflict may be reduced.
Negative: Loss of the traditional family structure, less contact with extended family. Financial difficulties.
For the children:
Positive: Grow up in a happier environment without parental conflict.
Negative: Stress and insecurity from family breakdown. May feel torn between parents. Adjustment to new living situations.
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Stark and Bainbridge developed the Religious Market Theory to critique secularization theory. They believe religion is not declining as secularization predicts, but rather goes through perpetual cycles of decline and revival as religions adapt to meet consumer demand. Religious Market Theory views religion as operating in a competitive market, where churches provide compensators to attract followers. Stark and Bainbridge argue religion thrives in America's diverse religious market but declines in Europe due to historically dominant state churches creating religious monopolies with less incentive to adapt. While some evidence supports Religious Market Theory, critics argue factors beyond consumer choice also influence religious trends.
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This document provides guidance on answering exam questions about crime and deviance. It discusses two 21-mark essay questions to spend 30 minutes on each, including discussing at least two sides of an argument and referencing relevant theories and studies. For the first question on ethnic differences in crime rates, explanations to assess include institutional racism in the criminal justice system versus theories of relative deprivation and poor upbringing influencing crime rates. For the second question on media portrayals of crime, topics to discuss include how the media distorts crime statistics and can cause moral panics, as well as its relationship to fear of crime. Subcultural theories from Merton to more recent work should be assessed chronologically for their usefulness in explaining subcultural crime and
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The document discusses reasons for overrepresentation of ethnic minorities in crime statistics. It questions whether ethnic minorities truly commit more crimes or if statistics provide an inaccurate picture due to factors like institutional racism and stereotyping. Some reasons given for higher crime rates and convictions among ethnic groups include evidence of racism within police culture and practices, unfair targeting of minorities in stop-and-search policies, and socioeconomic challenges like poverty that are more common in minority communities. The case study of Stephen Lawrence, a black teenager murdered in 1993, illustrates failures in the police investigation potentially due to racism and stereotyping.
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This document provides guidance on answering exam questions about crime and deviance. It discusses two 21-mark essay questions to spend 30 minutes on each, including discussing at least two sides of an argument and referencing relevant theories and studies. For the first question on ethnic differences in crime rates, explanations to assess include institutional racism in the criminal justice system versus theories of relative deprivation and poor upbringing influencing crime rates. For the second question on media portrayals of crime, topics to discuss include how the media distorts crime statistics and can cause moral panics, as well as its relationship to fear of crime. Subcultural theories from Merton to more recent work should be assessed chronologically for their usefulness in explaining subcultural crime and
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1. This document outlines a sociology unit on crime and deviance theories, with four lessons on each of the main theoretical perspectives: functionalism, strain theory, subcultural theory, labelling theory, Marxism, and right/left realism.
2. For each lesson, learning objectives are provided to explain the key aspects of each theory, along with assessment focus, resources, and examples. Theories are to be introduced with short videos or activities before examining each in more depth.
3. Students will learn to define and apply the different sociological approaches to understanding crime and deviance, evaluate the strengths and limitations of each, and assess which perspectives best explain various types of criminal behavior and deviance.
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This document provides an overview of key perspectives on the sociology of religion including:
1) Functionalism which sees religion as fulfilling important social functions like strengthening social solidarity. Theorists discussed include Durkheim, Malinowski, and Parsons.
2) Criticisms of functionalism note its emphasis only on positive functions and inability to explain religion's origins.
3) Marxism views religion as maintaining capitalist rule and oppressing the working class. Neo-Marxism sees examples where religion encouraged liberation and social change.
4) Postmodernism argues religion has declined due to factors like increased information, consumerism and globalization, though some seek strict fundamentalism in response to change
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Postmodernism is characterized by the erosion of traditional beliefs and standards, a blurring of realities, and the growth of individualism. This has led to a crisis of meaning and a decline in established religions and their monopoly on truth. In their place, individuals now pick and choose from a diverse range of beliefs to personally construct their own meaning, identities and philosophies, like assembling a DIY cocktail of religion.
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This document discusses several theories about whether religion is declining or changing in postmodern society. It examines the ideas of Grace Davie who argues that religion has become more privatized and people can have religious beliefs without regular church attendance. It also looks at theories from Danielle Hervieu-Leger about cultural amnesia around religion and how people have become "spiritual shoppers." Finally, it analyzes religious market theory from Stark and Bainbridge that views religion meeting human needs and declining churches being replaced by new sects and cults, similar to business competition in a free market. The document provides criticisms of each theory and examples used to support or question the different perspectives on religious trends.
Institute of Interfaith Dialog - Prison Conversion to Islam - Christianity
In prison many inmates turn to religion for a novel world-view fostering belonging, identity, and management of life. Religious conversion may reinforce anti-social, radical identity or it may encourage pro-social conformity. This study focuses on the role of conversion in prisoner rehabilitation and the potential for the radicalization of prisoners in context of religious conversion. Given the relative dearth of research on either of the above subjects, this study examines conversion in prison and the potential tendencies for, the inclusivist, or the exclusivist, the incorporationist, or the rejectionist trajectories of conversion.
The striking conclusion of this research is that religious conversion is a much nuanced pathway for both Islam and Christianity. In each religion no definitive process of radicalization emerged to prove radicalization. What is found in both religions were many forks in the road during the conversion process and transforming of identities. These forks were evidenced in both the inclusivist and exclusivist religious community identity and in the incorporationist and rejectionist world-view identity. The narratives provided evidence that religion is just one alternative for gaining knowledge of self and belonging. The narratives defined other alternatives for gaining knowledge of self that included education, counseling, and gangs. What emerged from the analysis is that not all who experience religious conversion and exhibit exclusivist identity also become rejectionist. Conversely most became become incorporationist. In the analysis of this data only two participants, one Muslim and one Christian, coded both exclusivist and rejectionist. Of the exclusivists that are rejectionist, some may be nonviolent isolationists while others may be violent. It is these that may have the greatest tendency toward terrorism. In supporting the call of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (2008) for sound academic study of radicalization in America’s prisons this research supports a major policy issue. It supports the finding that isolating one religion as a radicalization source may unduly burden the free practice of religion while failing to recognize that other religions may have the same tendencies to lead to radicalization and even terrorism.
Rigsby, Malcolm L. 2012. "Religious Conversion in Prison and its Directions: Community Identity, Religious Dogma, and Exclusivist Or Inclusivist Religiosity in American Prisons." Texas Woman's University, United States -- Texas.
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This document discusses reasons for declining religious attraction among young people. It suggests that religious organizations are seen as boring, outdated, and out of touch with modern values. Additionally, young people treat religion as a private matter and are exposed to a wide variety of spiritual beliefs and identities. Each new generation is becoming more secular as religious socialization and education declines.
IWRBS Module 2-2.pptx
This document discusses the historical and geographical contexts of different religions. It begins by defining geography and explaining how the spread of religions has been shaped by geographical contexts, with Asia noted as the cradle of many major religions. Religions are also categorized as either Western or Eastern based on whether they spread to or remained in Asia. Sacred places are also examined in relation to how religious experiences transform physical spaces. The document then discusses the relationship between religion and culture, defining culture and examining concepts like ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, and multiculturalism. It explores how religion has influenced and been influenced by culture from early human history. The roles of religion in preserving culture and promoting social ideals are also summarized.
Religion meliza powerpoin
Religion is a collection of beliefs and practices that relate humanity to spiritual matters. There are approximately 4,200 religions worldwide. Sociological theories provide perspectives on religion's role in society from symbolic interactionism to functionalism and conflict theory. Religion and magic were once intertwined but western monotheism separated them. Faith dispels doubt while religion risks losing touch. Religions fulfill functions like facilitating morality and social cohesion. Religious organizations include movements, denominations, sects and cults. Major world religions and their future decline are also discussed.
Positive and negative effects of religion
This document discusses both the positive and negative effects of religion. Among the positive effects, it notes that religion can promote social harmony through shared beliefs and rituals. It also provides moral values and social change. Religion reduces fears of death and the unknown, and gives people positive goals and a sense of belonging. However, the document also discusses some negative effects, such as religion affirming social hierarchies and causing discrimination. It has also triggered conflicts and wars. Some argue religion can be used as an economic tool to exploit people and impede scientific success. Overall, the document presents a balanced view of both the benefits and drawbacks of religion.
Faith Formation in a Missional Age
This document introduces Dawn Trautman and Dr. Terri Elton who are offering webinars on topics related to faith formation. Dr. Elton's webinar series is titled "Faith Formation in a Missional Age" and will explore what faith means in today's changing cultural context. It discusses research showing declining religious affiliation and notes faith must be reimagined for a society where Christianity is no longer the majority. Faith formation aims to help people understand what it means to live out their Christian identity amidst these cultural shifts.
Religion
Religion is a social institution involving beliefs and practices based on conceptions of the sacred. It involves rituals and ceremonies. Sociology can study religion's social impact but not validate religious doctrines, as they involve faith rather than evidence. Durkheim saw religion symbolizing society's power over individuals and serving social functions like cohesion, control, and meaning. Marx noted religion legitimizes inequality. Weber showed how Protestantism promoted social change like capitalism. World religions include Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Fundamentalism interprets scripture literally and rejects pluralism.
Religion in the United States.pptx
- Among developed countries, the United States is one of the most religious, with religion playing a prominent role in American culture and politics since early colonial days when settlers came seeking religious freedom.
- The U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and as a result the country is highly religiously diverse with hundreds of denominations of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and other faiths represented.
- While most Americans identify with a religion, rates of regular religious service attendance and belief in God are lower than in other developed nations, reflecting an American culture that also emphasizes personal freedom and secularism.
Week 11: Religion
This document provides an overview of sociological perspectives on religion. It discusses how religion serves important social functions like providing meaning, fostering social cohesion, and establishing social control. Key theorists like Durkheim viewed religion as distinguishing the sacred from the profane and using rituals to transform ordinary things into sacred symbols. The document also summarizes several major world religions like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and animistic/shamanistic traditions, examining their core beliefs, practices, and global prevalence.
APHG Unit 3: Religion Intro
Religion is defined as a system of beliefs and practices that seeks to order life in terms of culturally perceived priorities. It often includes established symbols, rituals, and sacred texts that explain the origin of life, the universe, or the meaning of life. The document then provides overviews and examples of different types of religions including universalizing versus ethnic religions, examples of orthodox and syncretic religions, cultural hearths where major religions originated, and maps showing the diffusion and current distribution of adherents to major world religions. It also discusses concepts like fundamentalism, extremism, indigenous religions, and the rise of secularism.
New religion
Religion can both oppress groups and transform societies. Classical theorists like Marx saw religion justifying inequality, while Durkheim saw it promoting social cohesion through shared beliefs and rituals. Weber believed particular religions, like Protestantism, prompted social change by influencing views on work and economic success. Religious symbols and rituals help embed culture by marking major life events. While religion provides meaning and order, it can also legitimize power structures and divert attention from inequities according to conflict theorists.
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Younger people in Britain are less religious than older generations. 36% of 18-34 year olds identify as atheist or agnostic, and 65% of young people are not religious. Many young people find religious organizations unattractive because they view the services as boring, old-fashioned, and full of old people. They also see some religious stances as out of touch with their values. Young people may turn away from conventional religion and instead explore spirituality through more diverse and accessible sources outside traditional organizations. They also tend to privatize their beliefs and not feel the need to belong to a specific religion. The declining influence of religious education and activities like Sunday school also contributes to younger generations being less religious than their
Religion theories
This document discusses several typologies and theories of religion. It outlines Anthony Wallace's levels of religion from individualistic to communal systems. It also discusses types of religions like polytheism, monotheism, animism, and the Judeo-Christian-Muslim tradition. Several theorists are mentioned including Tylor, Frazer, Durkheim, Freud, Jung, Weber, Marx, and Geertz. Functional theories view religion as fulfilling important social and psychological functions. Symbolic theories see religion as establishing powerful moods through symbolic conceptions. Religion is also discussed in terms of social control, cultural ecology, and the great transformation from communal to industrial society.
8 mediation and spirituality in the postmodern context
This document discusses spirituality and mediation in a postmodern context. It explores themes of worship, implicit religion, and global awareness. Resources on Christian mission, postmodern values, and emerging forms of worship are presented. Spirituality is described as a personal exploration of meaning, sensitivity to others, and connection to God. In postmodernity, spirituality is constructed through temporary communal allegiances, consumer identity, and human interest stories of individual biographical experiences.
Bosch introduction
The document discusses a book that analyzes paradigm shifts in the theology of mission. It describes how the current crisis in Christian mission is the result of a fundamental paradigm shift due to changes in the modern world. The book examines mission foundations, motives and nature through different theological lenses across church history. It analyzes six historical paradigms and how each era understood faith differently than those before and after. The goal is to develop a new vision for missionary involvement in light of past lessons learned.
PD2 Overview Faith Formation Missional Age
This document discusses faith formation in a missional age. It notes that the United States is becoming less religiously affiliated, with Christianity no longer the majority religion. Congregations are also less healthy and seeing declining attendance. However, faith remains a gift from God that shapes identity and calls Christians to active embodiment through loving God and neighbor. Faith formation therefore involves cultivating both discipleship community and engagement with culture. The church's role is to help people live out what it means to be Christian in their daily lives and context.
Beliefs In Society Overview
This document discusses various sociological perspectives on religion, including functionalist, Marxist, feminist, and postmodern views. It also examines how religion relates to other factors like gender, ethnicity, age, and social change. Functionalists see religion as promoting social solidarity, while Marxists view it as legitimizing inequality. Postmodernists argue religion is changing and becoming more privatized rather than declining. Higher religiosity is found among women, ethnic minorities, and older age groups for various proposed reasons.
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Institute of Interfaith Dialog - Prison Conversion to Islam - Christianity
Institute of Interfaith Dialog - Prison Conversion to Islam - Christianity
8 mediation and spirituality in the postmodern context
8 mediation and spirituality in the postmodern context
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The document discusses how views of childhood have changed over time and across cultures. Benedict claims that in non-industrial societies, there is less distinction between adult and child behavior and expectations, and children are treated very differently than in Western societies. Specifically, children in non-industrial cultures often take on responsibilities earlier, have less restricted sexual behaviors, and show less obedience to adult authority. The document then discusses factors like industrialization, laws preventing child cruelty and labor, and theories of child development that have led childhood to be constructed differently and children to be more dependent and protected in modern Western societies.
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Cultural, social class, and generational diversity all contribute to differences in family forms. Cultural diversity refers to differences between families of various ethnic, religious, and ideological backgrounds. Social class divisions exist between upper, middle, and working classes as well as within those groups. Generational diversity refers to differences in experiences and attitudes between older and younger family members and generations.
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The document is a mark scheme for a sociology exam assessing students' understanding of different sociological explanations of suicide. It provides detailed criteria for evaluating answers in bands from 0-21 marks based on the students' interpretation, application, analysis, and evaluation of concepts from the item and elsewhere. Higher bands are characterized by explaining two or more sociological perspectives on suicide accurately and applying them appropriately to the question.
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However, critics argue that government-funded research may not be
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- 1. The case against secularisation
- 2. Different evidence • Resacrilisation (linked to sects/NAMs etc) • Individuation • Rise of fundamentalism • Cultural defence
- 3. Resacrilisation Traditional religions maybe declining but other religions are growing. Resacrilisation is a ‘renewal or continuing vitality of religious beliefs’ (Greeley, 1972).
- 4. Resacrilisation Heelas - People are shifting from traditional religion to a more individualistic spirituality centred on the self. - (see NAMs – self improvement) - People are blending ‘hybrids’ (postmodernity) of religions to suit their own needs.
- 5. Brierley (2005) • Sects have been rising from 2.4% in 2000 to 3.1% in 2010 • Statistically that’s a healthy jump!
- 6. Evaluation Glendinning & Bruce Question Heelas’s data. Only 1 in 50 people in the Kendal area were engaged with NAMs in a typical week. Only half of that figure saw these activities as spiritual.
- 7. Wilson • Sees sects etc as ‘irrelevant’ • Members are in their own little enclosed worlds • Mainly appeal to drop outs or damaged people. • These religions have very little impact on their everyday lives as religions proper would do, ie) moral guidance Berger • Sects are ‘islands in a secular sea’
- 8. 2. Individuation Davie • Believing without belonging • Privatised worship • The rise of ‘vicarious religion’ – people experience second hand religion at baptisms etc
- 9. Evaluation Voas & Crockett • Use social trends data to show that since 1983 there has been a decline in attending and believing. Bruce • If people are not investing effort in attending then this represents a lack of commitment and a decline in strength of belief.
- 10. 3. Growth of Fundamentalism Many parts of the world have seen a revival of fundamentalist ideas. They are committed to religious laws. Almond Rise of Fundamentalism amongst: • Jews in Israel. • Muslims in Pakistan/Palestine/Egypt/former Soviet Union • Sikhs and Hindus in India • Christians in USA • Buddhists in Sri Lanka
- 11. Roof & McKinney • New Right (USA) – conservative Protestants • High church attendance/strong morality
- 12. Evaluation Bruce • Sees New Christian Right have only slowed down secularisation in USA. • These groups only appear significant because they are ‘unusual’ – they stand out in a secular world.
- 13. 4. Cultural Defence & Transition Bruce • Identifies 2 trends that go against secularisation – these are linked to high levels of religiosity. • Cultural defence (religion is a focal point for the defence of identities against threats) eg) Catholicism in Poland/Islam in Iran 1979. • Cultural transition (religion provides support and sense of community) eg) immigration to new country (this can be linked to Herberg – Protestant, Catholic, Jew)
- 14. Evaluation Bruce • Religion only survives in these situations because it as a focal point for IDENTITY..not spirituality. • Religion will survive where it performs this function..not because of a belief in faith (hence it does not really prove secularisation isn’t happening).
- 15. task Assess the arguments for and against the claim that contemporary societies are becoming more secular (33 marks) • Use the material in this ppt to plan the case AGAINST secularisation. • How would you use it?