Age, gender, ethnicity & religion Flashcards
why may women be more religious than men (Miller + Hoffman)
- women more likely to work part time, have more time to participate in religious activities than men.
- Women socialised to be more passive and caring so more attracted to religion as their qualities are valued (new age)
why may women be more religious than men (Bruce)
Bruce= 2x as many women as men involved in sects.
Organismic deprivation- physical + mental health problems more likely to be suffered by women, seek healing from religion.
why the participation of women in religious activity may be declining
increase of family diversity:
Higher divorce rates/ single parent households
- church sees single parents inferior to nuclear family households
How is religion patriarchal?
- religious scriptures, men are superior
- women excluded from priesthood
- Aldridge, veiling of women keeps them anonymous
- stained glass ceiling, women experience barriers in progression
Stats on ethnicity and religion
- 2007 17% Afro-Caribbean attended church on sunday
- Brierley, black people 2x likely to attend churches as white
- less religiosity amongst 2nd gen ethnic groups (Modood)
Reasons for ethnic minority religiosity (cultural defence + transition)
Cultural defence= Bruce, religion offers support in uncertain/hostile environments
Cultural transition= Herberg, religion can ease the transition into new culture by providing support and community
Reasons for ethnic minority religiosity (marginality)
- Turn too religion for support due to having poor grasp of English or for a source of identity
Reasons for ethnic minority religiosity (social identity)
- Provide markers of identity, food to eat, festivals, ways to dress. resist denial of status and being devalued through racism
The link between older people and religion
older a person is, more likely to attend religious services
Voas + Crockett:
Ageing effect- As approach death, become more interested in spirituality/afterlife so are more likely to go to church
Generational effect- Each new gen is less religious than the previous. Explaining why there are more older people in churches as they were raised in a time it was popular
Link between younger people and religion
Under 15’s more likely to go to church as their parents may force them.
Younger people less religious, institutions are viewed as unattractive or boring. (Brierley, 86% 10-14 years)
Less anxiety inducing situations, improved economic conditions, contribute to lower levels of anxiety and no need for religion, alternatives like therapy or medication can be used.
relationship that different social classes have with churches, denominations, sects and cults.
WC- more likely to turn to religion, churches in deprived areas have higher attendance, 2015 survey 38% regular church goers are WC, 60% are MC
MC/UC- conservative denominations appeal more to MC/UC, as well as cults (consumer) or NAMS as they can afford it
