Analyse 2 reasons why extent of secularisation may be exaggerated

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

• UK getting more secular - measured by beliefs, behaviour & belonging
• However, limitations especially when looking globally

Question 2

Statistical evidence for secularisation

Answer 2

• Beliefs = >30% don’t believe in God - younger = less likely than older
• Behaviour = <5% adult pop attend church regularly - 20% marriages = at churches - 10% children baptised
• Belonging = 50% adults class themselves as having no religion - 75% 18-24yrs
• 10% decline in active C of E membership in last decade

Question 3

Weber; disenchantment (emphasises opposed role of science & religion in modern)

Answer 3

• Argued dev of science & tech undermined role of religion
• Science = knowledge claims could be assessed objectively & empirically rather than religious truth claims - science replacing religion
• Factors lead to disenchantment (decreased of role of mystery in explaining social phenomena)

Question 4

Weber; disenchantment (emphasises opposed role of science & religion in modern) AO3

Answer 4

• Bruce; although science & tech = challenged religious beliefs, people still turn to religion when tech fails
• Malinowski; lagoon / ocean fishing trobriand islands

Question 5

Bruce - increase diversity

Answer 5

• Increased diversity results in secularisation - several religions = religion no longer binds people to society
• State finds it hard to support religion - Durkheim’s functionalist theory; one religion acts as collective conscience - when there’s no longer one, it can’t perform its function

Question 6

Bruce - increase diversity AO3

Answer 6

• Pluralism (religious have rights, freedoms & safety to worship according to conscience) only way religion can work in postmodern society
• Many non Christian religions = growing - de-Christianisation = more accurate concept than speculation
• Turning to religion at times of crises