Belief Systems and Ideologies Flashcards
What are beliefs?
A set of opinions or convictions; ideas we believe in as the truth. Beliefs can come from one’s own experience and reflection, or from what one is told by others
What are values?
Deeply held ideas and beliefs that guide our thinking, language and behaviour. Differences in values exist among groups of people in society and are a part of one’s culture. Values can be challenged.
What are symbols?
Symbols have the ability to culturally unify a group of people through their representation and meaning. Symbols such as places, actions, words, people and rituals are layered with meaning and valuable information for different groups in society.
What are customs?
Established ways of acting or cultural practices that are unique to groups in society. Customs have important links to the heritage, values and traditions of people.
What is a worldview?
A particular philosophy of life or conception of the world that is characterised by an organised and accepted set of ideas that attempts to explain the social, cultural, physical and psychological world.
What is a ritual?
A series of actions or rites performed according to a prescribed order. Rituals range in significance. Some are sacred to institutions and others can be important to people for maintaining tradition and cultural heritage. Some rituals can be referred to as part of an established routine.
What is a philosophy?
The underlying principle or set of ideas that contains a way of thinking and behaving that makes up a broad field of knowledge or doctrine of thought.
What is secularisation?
A process whereby religion loses its influence over the various spheres of social life.
What impact has modernisation had on the secularisation of society?
Secular society has emerged from the modernisation process whereby the rise of scientific knowledge and technological advancements have shaped ideas about spiritual thinking in society.
What is institutional power?
The power that exists in institutions and how it is used to control aspects of society. Institutions such as the family, school, law and government use inherent power to control, change and maintain continuity of interactions.
What is mythology?
A set of stories or traditions that serves to support a worldview or is associated with a group or historical event.
What are similarities between beliefs and ideologies?
A system for the sharing of values and beliefs
Significant people exist and values are expressed in texts and sacred places, stories and rituals
Shapes peoples thinking about their experiences
Collectives
What is the diference between a belief system and an ideology?
A belief system is personal as it relates to what an individual believes to be the truth. An ideology is less personal and refers to ideas derived from theory.
