Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

sociology > Beliefs in society > Flashcards

Beliefs in society Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
Sociology 101 flashcards
1
Q

What is the substantive definition of religion?

A

-Weber
-belief in a supernatural that can’t be scientifically explained
-religion requires a belief in God, supernatural beliefs, holy books, place of worship
-exclusive

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the Functional definition of religion?

A

-used by Durkheim, Parsons
-defines religion by social or psychological functions
-encourage social cohesion, collective conscience
-inclusive

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

what is the social constructionist definition of religion?

A

-interpretivist
-impossible to have one definition
-focus on what religion means to it’s believers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

what is the Functionalist view for the role of religion?

A

-conservative force= creates social order and maintains value consensus
-promotes stability, preserves status quo, prevent rapid social change

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

what are Durkheims 4 functions of religion?

A

-Discipline= behave sociably
-Cohesion= community
-Vitalising= maintains traditions, ensures values passed down
-Euphoric= place in something much bigger

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

who did Durkheim study?

A

Arunta= Australian aboriginal tribe
they worshiped symbols, items (totem poles)
-wanted to establish what beliefs and ceremonies signified

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

what does Durkheim mean by the sacred and the profane?

A

sacred objects= greater, collective significance, anything inspiring awe and wonder
-profane= everyday with a clear function

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

what does Durkheim mean by religion is a cognitive function?

A

helps us understand the world and why things happen like harvests

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

what are Parsons 2 functions of religion?

A

-creates and legitimates central values= makes basic norms and values sacred (10 commandments)
-primary source of meaning= provides answers to questions that threaten commitment to societies shared values

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

who did Malinowski study?

A

-Trobriand islanders
-canoe magic- islanders would perform rituals when fishing in dangerous water but not in safe water

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

what did Malinowski say the function of religion was?

A

-religion has a psychological function to help individuals deal with anxious and stressful situations
-helped preserve stability of society
-people use religion in events like births and deaths

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

what was Bellah’s view on religion?

A

-civil religion= idea the rituals are similar to religion
-Americanism= flag, national anthem, famous historical figures . promotes social cohesion, order, stability, prevents radical change
-England- royal family, football, music

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

evaluation of functionalist view?

A

-ignores negatives
-ignores religi9on as a source of division and conflict
-is civil religion a religion if there is no belief in the supernatural

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

How are religious organisations patriarchal?

A

male dominated
-orthodox judaism and catholics forbid female priests
-Armstrong says this is marginalisation of women

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

how are places of worship patriarchal?

A

segregate the sexes
-womens participation restricted, cant read from sacred text or preach
-Islam- women cant touch Qur’an if menstruating
-Holm sees this as devaluation of women

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

how are sacred texts patriarchal?

A

feature male Gods/ prophets, written and interpreted by men
-stories portray anti-female stereotypes like Eve

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

how are religious laws and customs patriarchal?

A

-women have fewer rights than men, dress code, divorce
-influences like FGM
-Catholic churches banned abortion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are Beauvior views on religion being patriarchal?

A

-encourage women to be meek and put up with inequality to get rewards in the afterlife

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

How does Armstrong evaluate the view that religion is patriarchal?

A

early religion places women at the centre, female goddesses
-4000 years ago rise of monotheistic religions established all powerful male God

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

How does Saadawi evaluate the view that religion is patriarchal?

A

religion only oppresses women because of the influence of the patriarchy in society

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

what does Woodhead say about religious forms of Feminism?

A

-not all religion is patriarchal
-hijab= western families see it as oppressing but it means liberation as it allows them to enter public sphere without being condemned as immodest

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

what are some examples of religious forms of feminsim?

A

-Brusco= Pentecostal groups in Colombia empower women to gain status and respect in the private sphere
-Piety movements= Rinaldo- support traditional teaching of womens roles, dress, prayer and bible study
-Liberal Protestant organisations, Quakers committed to gender equality

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What do Marxists say about religion as an ideology?

A

upper class control production and distribution of ideas through the church, education, media
-false consciousness =legitimises suffering of poor as God given and virtuous, believe they will be favoured in afterlife

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What does Lenin say about religion expoilting the poor?

A

-spiritual Gin creates a mystical fog to obscure reality and prevent the working class rebelling

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

what are examples of religion legitimising power of upper class?

A

Indian Caste system
Divine right of Kings

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

what do Marxists say about religion and Alienation?

A

-exploited turn to religion as form of consolation
-religion is Opium of the Masses it masks problems of exploitation and offers no solution but the afterlife

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

what is evaluation of Marxist views on religion?

A
  • ignores positive functions like psychological adjustment to misfortune
    -Althusser- rejects concept of alienation as unscientific
    -Abercrombie, Hill, Turner- in pre capitalist society Christianity was a major element of ruling class ideology but had limited impact on peasantry
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

what are calvinist beliefs?

A

-predestination
-Asceticism: abstinence, self discipline, living a frugal life
-work as a calling: live life as a servant of god, job is to work hard and glorify gods name through work ‘this worldly’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

How did calvinist beliefs establish the spirit of capitalism?

A

weber said when calvinists were successful they reinvested money which made more money like capitalism

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

what does weber say about religion and social change in hinduism and confucianism?

A

in India and China they had chances to encourage social change but not all the conditions were present so if conditions are there religion can bring social change

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

what were hinduism beliefs?

A

-ascetic religion, favouring renunciation of the material world
-discourage growth of rational capitalism
-directed followers concerns to the spiritual worls

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

what were Confucianism beliefs?

A

combines asceticism with a this worldly view to enable spirit of modern capitalism to emerge

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What does Bruce say about religion and social protest?

A

he compared the american civil rights movement and the new christian right to see the relationship between religion and social change

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

what did Bruce say about the american civil rights movement?

A

-progressive
-churches provided sanctuary
- bible versus and scripture supported protestors
-unity through prayers and hymns
-religion is an ideological resource

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What does Bruce say are the ways religious organisations can support protests?

A

-taking the moral high ground
-channeling dissent
-acting as an honest broker
-mobilising public opinion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

what did Bruce say about the new christian right?

A

-regressive
-it was largely unsuccessful because campaigners find it difficult:
.to cooperate with people from other groups
.lack widespread support and was met with strong opposition
-few americans support theocracy and many are comfortable with legalising activities they personally disagree with

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What was Bruce’s conclusions?

A

to achieve success movements need to be consistent to those of wider society

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

what are other examples of religion and social change?

A

-desmond tutu
-mother theresa
-pentecostalism
-televangelism in usa(joel osteen)

39
Q

what was Ernst Bloch principle of hope?

A

-religion has a dual character
-religion is an expression of hope of dreams of a better life
-can be deceiving with promises or rewards in heaven but can also help people see what needs to be changed

40
Q

What is liberation theology ?

A

-catholic church in latin america
-strong commitment to the poor and opposition to military dictatorship

41
Q

why did liberation theology come about?

A

-increased rural poverty and urban slums
-human rights abuses following military takeovers
-growing priest commitment to the poor

42
Q

what actions were carried out in liberation theology?

A

-priests helped poor build base communities
-protection of the church for peasants to fight oppression
-priests developed literacy programmes and raised awareness and support

43
Q

How much influence does liberation theology have today?

A

-lost its influence when pope condemned it because it represented marxism
-casanova: it played important role in bringing democracy

44
Q

what was the pentecostal challenge?

A

-david lehmann
-compared liberation theology and pentecostalism
liberation= option for the poor
pentecostalism= option of the poor

45
Q

what are millenarian movements?

A

christ will rule for another 1000 years
- create heaven on earth, collective group with be saved
-appeal to the poor as it promises immediate improvement

46
Q

What does Gramsci say about religion and hegemony?

A

ruling class maintain control through their ideas
religion has dual character
can challenge ruling class through counter hegemony
religion can help wc see through hegemony by promoting an ideal world view

47
Q

what are the changes in religion in the uk?

A

-decline in population going to church
-increase in average age of church goers
-fewer baptisms and church weddings
- decline in amount of people with traditional christian beliefs
-greater diversity

48
Q

what does Wilson say about the changes in religion in the uk?

A

western societies undergoing long process of secularisation
church attendance in england and wales has fallen from 40% in mid 19th century to 10/15% in 1960

49
Q

how has church attendance led to secularisation?

A

-more than halved since 1960s
-fell from 1.6 mil in 60s to under 0.8mil in 2013
-70s 60% if marriages in church 2012 30%
-Bogus baptisms to get into good secondary schools

50
Q

how did religious affiliation lead to secularisation?

A

-1983 1/3 adults no religion and in 2014 1/2
-amount identifying as christian feel by 1/3
-number of catholics increased from east european immigration
-islam increased due to immigration and higher birth rates

51
Q

how did religious institutions lead to secularisation?

A

-state taken over many functions of the church- private sphere of individual and family
-faith schools still have to conform to a national curriculum
-schools have to performs daily act of worship but bbc survey showed 1/2 + in wales don’t
-woodhead: lack of clergy means day to day influence reduced

52
Q

what is weber explanation for secularisation?

A

rationalisation
-protestant reformation started rational thinking (MLK)
-medieval catholic view saw world as an enchanted garden
-disenchantments meant protestants saw god as transcendent
-humans discovered laws of nature through reason and science

53
Q

what did Bruce mean by the technological world view?

A

leaves little room for religious explanations
may pray for help for an illness science can’t cure

54
Q

what is Parsons explanations for secularisation?

A

structural differentiation
-industrialisation means state performs most functions the check used to
-leads to disengagement religion becomes disconnected from wider society
-religion became privatised

55
Q

what is the religious diversity explanation of secularisation?

A

Berger: the sacred canopy- in middle ages catholic church held monopoly
plurality of life-truths subjective to the individual
plausibility structure- crisis of credibility undermines the reason why people find it believable

56
Q

how is social snd cultural diversity an explanation of secularisation?

A

-decline of community: wilson- used to share values
-industrialisation: bruce old cottages replaced with factories cutting old ties and meeting new people
-diversity of occupations culture and lifestyle: alternative religions challenge dominant ideology
-secularisation from within: watered down teachings

57
Q

what are the criticisms of secularisation in the uk?

A

-northern ireland
-cultural defence and cultural transition
-covid
-civil religion
-religious fundamentalism

58
Q

what are the patterns of religion in the usa?

A

-bible belt
-socially desirable to be religious
-Wilson ‘american way of life’
45% attend church on sundays

59
Q

declining church attendance led to secularisation in US?

A

-steady 40% since 1940s
-bruce and wilson said churches fabricate their attendance
-Hadaway- head count in ohio interviews claimed 83% higher attendance
-level of beliefs weakened

60
Q

has secularisation from within happened in the US?

A

-bruce: emphasis on traditional christian beliefs declined
-religion become psychologised
-purpose changed from seeking salvation in heaven to personal improvement on earth

61
Q

has religious diversity led to secularisation in the US

A

-churchgoers less dogmatic
-Bruce: trend to practical relativism (acceptance that people have different views to them)

62
Q

Evaluation for secularisation in the US

A

-The religious right and mormonism
-Berger- blinded by own atheist bubble
-americanism

63
Q

what does Davie mean by believing without belonging?

A

religion privatised as people reluctant to belong to an institution

64
Q

what does Davie mean by vicarious religion and spiritual health service?

A

-Britain and Northern europe identify with religion but don’t attend church, few select people with knowledge and devotion
- religion used when needed

65
Q

what is evaluation of Davie?

A

-Voas and Crockett: evidence shows believing and belonging both declining
-Bruce: people not spending time in church is still secularisation
-Day: saying they are christian for belonging to a white english group

66
Q

What does Leger mean by spiritual shopping?

A

-cultural amnesia: loss of collective memory, belief not generational
do it yourself (individual consumerism) develop beliefs that give meanings to our lives

67
Q

who were the new religions Leger identified?

A

-Pilgrim: Holistic Milieu in kendal project
follow individual path, self discovery, exploring new age spirituality
- Converts: strong sense of belonging based on ethnic backgrounds. recreate sense of community

68
Q

How do postmodernists say globalisation affects religion?

A

access to ideas and beliefs
- disembedded religious ideas move from physical church to media
-electronic church and televangelism

69
Q

what does Helland mean by online religion and religion online?

A

-online religion: no existence outside of internet form of communication
-religion online: organisation uses internet to address members, electronic version of traditional hierarchal communication

70
Q

what do postmodernists mean by religious consumerism?

A

no longer have to sign up to any specific religious tradition
pick and mix
Nancy Ammerman- american christian fundamentalist not loyal to one church
-loss of faith on meta narratives

71
Q

What do postmodernist mean by the new age?

A

journey of self discovery
personal development
connecting with one’s inner self

72
Q

what is spiritual revolution?

A

traditional christianity giving way to holistic spirituality of New Age
explosion of self help books, practitioners who offer therapy and consultations

73
Q

what did Heelas and Woodhead say about spiritual revolution?

A

congregational domain (traditional)
holistic milieu (spiritual)
-In a week in 2000 7.9% attended church and 1.6% spiritual
-New age due to change in today’s culture, traditional religions demanding duty and obedience declining, success of evangelical churches

74
Q

What are Bruce’s 4 reasons for the weakness of the new age?

A

-problem of scale
-socialisation of the next generation
-weak commitment
-structural weakness

75
Q

what is religious market theory? Stark and Bainbridge

A

-idea of secularisation Eurocentric (religion more diverse)
-religious needs universal as human nature, fulfils functions other institutions can’t (belonging)
-compensators- real rewards unobtainable so religion gives supernatural ones
-cycle of renewal, decline, revival= older beliefs fade and new ones form, compete with one another to provide services

76
Q

what is supply led religion?

A

-supports religious market theory
-Hadden and Shupe:
televangelism began competition and led to preaching a ‘prosperity gospel’ by consumer demand

77
Q

criticism of religious market theory?

A

-Bruce- misunderstood secularisation theory. never claimed religion had a golden age or would end and didnt say it was universal

78
Q

what is existential security theory?

A

-Norris and Inglehart
societies where people feel secure have a low level of demand for religion
-demand for religion not constant and varies within societies
-world becoming more religious as poor countries have higher levels of population growth
America religious by standards of other rich nations.

79
Q

criticism of Norris and Inglehart existential security?

A

-Vasquez
only use quantitative data
ignores appeals that some types of religions have for the wealthy

80
Q

what are examples of religious fundamentalism?

A

isis
ncr
iranian revolution

81
Q

what is religious fundamentalism?

A

-favour tradition and look back to a ‘golden age’ of religion
-arises only when traditional beliefs are threatened by modern society

82
Q

What are the threats to religious fundamentalism?

A

outside:
capitalist globalisation, military invasion, penetration of western culture
within:
new secular ideas, liberal attitudes

83
Q

what are the key features of religious fundamentalism?

A

-authoritative sacred text
-‘us and them’ mentality
-aggressive reactions
-use of modern tech
-patriarchy
-conspiracy theories

84
Q

what does Giddens say about religious fundamentalism and modernity?

A

product of globalisation which undermines tradition
-individuals constantly have choice causing uncertainty and risk

85
Q

what is Giddens cosmopolitanism theory?

A

-contrasts fundamentalism
-open to new views and reflexive thinking
-requires justified views by evidence and rational arguments
personal meaning and self improvement

86
Q

what are religious fundamentalist responses to Postmodernity?

A

Bauman- postmodernity brings risk so some turn to fundamentalism to claim truth and security
Castells- 2 responses
-resistance identity (fundamentalism)
-project identity (adopt new thinking)

87
Q

criticisms of religious fundamentalism and modernity

A

-harsh distinguish between cosmopolitan and fundamentalism ignores hybrid movements
-fixated on fundamentalism
-Giddens groups all fundamentalism together

88
Q

what does Bruce say about monotheism and religious fundamentalism?

A

Monotheistic religions based on notion of Gods will and one sacred text.
Polytheistic have more scope for different interpretations

89
Q

what does Bruce say the two types of fundamentalism are?

A

-fundamentalism in the West: change taking place in society. NCR developed due to increase in family diversity
-fundamentalism in the East: reaction to changes thrust upon a society from outside . Islamic revolution triggered by modernisation

90
Q

what does Huntington mean by clash of civilisation?

A

-religion centre of a number of global conflicts which have intensified since the collapse of communism
-‘problem is Islam not Islamic fundamentalism’
-religious differences creating an ‘us and them’ harder to solve than political ones as they are deeply rooted
-struggle of ‘progress against barbarism’

91
Q

what is the real clash of civilisations?

A

Norris and Inglehart
-Muslim and Western society separated due to conflict on attitudes to sexuality and gender

92
Q

what is secular fundamentalism?Davie

A

1) first phase of modernity. from enlightenment in late 18th century to 60s
optimistic secular belief, power of science. secularised all areas of social life
2)rise to secular fundamentalism. since 70s optimism under attack. globalisation caused insecurity, loss of faith in liberalism and rationalisation, Davie- past their sell by date (france)

93
Q

what are criticisms of Huntington?

A

-Jackson= orientalism, Western stereotype East as untrustworthy
-Casanova= ignore division between Sunni and Shia Muslims
-Horrie and Chippindale= grossly misleading, portrays whole of Islam as the enemy

sociology (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions