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Beliefs in society Flashcards

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Sociology 101 flashcards
1
Q

Why does the usage of the word “ideology” vary?

A

In sociology it has various different meanings and definitions.

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2
Q

How many types of ideology does Karl Mannheim define and what does he say about them?

A

He offers 2 definitions:

A set of beliefs used to justify and perpetuate and existing social order. This is used by consensus theories.

Utopian ideology is the set of beliefs about how the world could be organised in the future, in order to benefit the oppressed. This is used by conflict theories.

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3
Q

What issues does Karl Mannheim identify with ideologies?

A

Ideologies distort how fair or unfair societies are seen.

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4
Q

What do developers of Marxism say about ideology?

A

1) Gramsci argues Hegemony: Bourgeois Ideology is so domineering that the become ingrained within mainstream thought process as common sense.
2) Althusser argues that some institutions in societies are “ideological state apparatuses” which transmit capitalist ideology.

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5
Q

Why do many scientists attempt to distinguish themselves from religion?

A

They argue they are distinct from ideological approaches in that they use empirical evidence, rather than subjective claims.

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6
Q

How do modern scientific approaches to sociology differ older ones?

A

Older scientific methodology was inductive, generating a hypothesis after collecting data. Contemporary sociology is deductive, focusing on developing a theory first and then testing for it’s validity.

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7
Q

What does Popper deem “progressive science” and how does it relate to the idea of “permanent social laws”?

A

Science can only be progressive if it attempts to falsify existing theories, just because something was once deemed true, doesn’t mean new evidence cant falsify it.

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8
Q

How does Polanyi (1958) compare science to other belief systems?

A

A circularity of beliefs: each idea is explained within relation to other ideas within the theory.

Supporting explanations for difficult situations: evidence of the contrary to beliefs is often ignored; within science contradictory results are seen as anomalous.

Rejection of alternative belief systems.

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9
Q

Why do postmodernists, such as Lyotard (1984), criticise science?

A

Science claims a “monopoly of truth”, which goes against postmodernist ideas of pluralism.

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10
Q

Why do conflict theorists sometimes criticise science?

A

They say it’s methodology is biased in that, what is deemed useful knowledge is decided and used by oppressive power structures.

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11
Q

Describe Kuhn’s “paradagim shift” view on science.

A

Science is not linear but revolutionary, instead scientists work within a paradigm which they assume to be true until enough anomalies are present that they have to rethink methodology and what is seen as true.

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12
Q

What does Gomm (1982) science and the theory of evolution?

A

Science does’t falsify but rather attempts prove the thoughts of society. E.g how Darwinian evolution parallels Victorian capitalist ideals.

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13
Q

What collective branch of sociology would use a scientific approach to sociology?

A

Macrosociologists

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14
Q

Why would Kuhn say sociology is not a science?

A

Currently, there is no grand unified theory within sociology.

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15
Q

How does Durkheim argue that social facts can be observed?

A

Through societal analysis to determine cause and effect.

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16
Q

Why does Weber think sociology can never be “value free.”

A

Researchers will always be inherently biased on what they chose and how they chose to research it.

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17
Q

What does Weber argue sociology should be if it can not be value free?

A

Sociology should be value relevant.

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18
Q

What does it mean to say religion is a conservative force?

A

Religion can be seen as a method of maintaining status quo within society.

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19
Q

What do functionalists argue the purpose of religion is?

A

Maintaining social order through value consensus.

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20
Q

What did Malinowski (1954) note about religion’s role?

A

Religion maintains social order through significant but disruptive times like births and deaths.

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21
Q

Parson’s argues that religion promotes “Core values.” For what purpose?

A

To create a value consensus and to help people make sense of their lives.

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22
Q

What is a critique of the functionalist view of religion?

A

It ignores the negative aspects of religion such religious conflicts and oppression.

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23
Q

What do feminists argue about religion?

A

Feminists argue that religion is a conservative force used to perpetuate archaic patriarchal values.

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24
Q

How do religious texts manipulate female sexuality and what impact does this have?

A

Women are portrayed as either whores or temptresses, as such this denies women of a sexual identity while enforcing the idea only men can be pious.

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25
Q

How does religion force women into traditional gender roles?

A

It focuses on their ability to have children, and limits them to it.

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26
Q

What does Simone de Beauvoir (1953) say about the afterlife?

A

It enforces patriarchal values through delayed gratification, if they are prepared to suffer in life they will be rewarded in the afterlife.

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27
Q

What are the critiques of the feminist view of religion?

A

1) It ignores the fact that other institutions transmit patriarchal values.
2) It ignores how some women use their religion and actively defy oppression, such as Malala Yousafzai.
3) It portrays women as hapless victims of oppression, without any agency.

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28
Q

Marx’s quote in religion.

A

“opium of the masses.”

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29
Q

How do Marxist say religion justifies class inequalities?

A

1) Promising the afterlife as a reward for not breaking rules, in turn abiding by capitalist systems.
2) The excuse of “it’s all part of god plan” legitimizes static and unequal social structures, and society is where is how it should be.

30
Q

Why do traditional marxists believe the growing secularization is significant?

A

It is sign that the proletariat are soon to revolt against oppressive bourgeois ideals.

31
Q

How do neo-marxists differ from traditional marxist views on religion?

A

Neo-marxism differs from its traditional counterpart in that it acknowledges in some situations religion is not always oppressive and can generate social change.

32
Q

What was Maduro’s evidence for religion acting as a force of change?

A

Maduro noted how catholic priests preached liberation thesis with South america and aided the communist revolution.

33
Q

What did Weber say about Calvinism and it’s influence on society.

A

Weber argued that religion is a force of social change and gave Calvinism as an example, which he argued led to the birth of capitalism

34
Q

Name and explain the 2 key beliefs influenced the protestant work ethic?

A

Predestination- Calvinists believed that our lives were predetermined with only a select few able to go to heaven.

Ascetic Ideal- Hard work helped ease this anxiety of predestination. They saw success in life was a potential sign that you were chosen for heaven.

35
Q

What did Weber say the capitalist ideology was about?

A

The idea that profit is an ends in of itself.

36
Q

How did Eisenstadt (1967) critique Weber?

A

He claimed capitalism occurred in catholic countries and predated the protestant revolution.

37
Q

What are the 4 types of religious organisations, in size order (Largest-smallest.)

A

1) Church
2) Denomination
3) Sects
4) Cults

38
Q

How does Ernst Troeltsch (1912) describe Churches?

A

He describes them as the largest religious organisation with 4 key features:

1) That they claim a monopoly of truth.
2) They have a complex and rigid hierarchy.
3) Close relationship with the state.
4) Closely integrated into the mainstream society.

39
Q

Weber used the term “ecclesia.” Define.

A

When the relationship between the state and religion is so close that they have a national religion.

40
Q

What is a critique of Troeltsch’s studies?

A

His studies however were based on 16th century, and therefore does not take into account religious pluralism.

41
Q

How do Sects and Denominations differ?

A

Denominations are sects that have been around long enough they have grown. As a result they become less dissatisfied with mainstream religion as there views are now no longer seen as outside the mainstream.

42
Q

What happens to hierarchy in religious organisations as you decrease in size?

A

Hierarchy becomes less complex in structure.

43
Q

How do Denominations differ from both Churches and Sects in terms of faith.

A

Denominations don’t claim a monopoly over the truth, instead offering one possible route. As a result, they’re are often highly inclusive and tolerant to other religious organisations.

44
Q

What are sects views on the state?

A

They are both separate from the state but also anti state due to be dissatisfied with mainstream religious norms and values.

45
Q

How does Bruce (1995) define Cults?

A

Movements without a fixed set of beliefs, emphasizing individual inner power and mysticism.

46
Q

What religious organisations may a charismatic leader?

A

Sects or cults.

47
Q

What are “New age movements”?

A

Loosely-nit ideologies that have a personal element, linked more with culture than organisations. E.G Neo-paganism.

48
Q

What does Heelas (1995) say about NAMs?

A

He describes their focus being on “self-spirituality.”

49
Q

What does Bruce (1995) argue the 3 major themes of NAMs are?

A

1) New Science- rejection of traditional science.
2) New Ecology- concerned for the environment
3) New psychology- sees the self as sacred.

50
Q

What sort of people do NAMs typically appeal to?

A

The middle classes and women, typically those who have turned away from traditional religion.

51
Q

How can NAMs be used to argue Postmodernity?

A

They signify religious pluralism, they are individualist and allows people to be more selective in the aspects of religion they like.

52
Q

What is the difference between religious belief and religiosity.

A

Religious belief is the belief in a supernatural force or a higher power while religiosity is used to measure how religious a person is and how connected they are to religious aspects of their life.

53
Q

Why are Sects and cults most likely to appeal to young adults?

A

1) They offer companionship, young adults are the group most affected by anomie.
2) They are the group who are most likely to get involved in counterculture activity.

54
Q

How can difference in socialisation be used to explain why women are more like to go to church/ say they are religious?

A

Women are socialised in to a passive role, which fits inline with the conservative nature of religion. Furthermore, going to church and raising children is seen as an extension of the role as a primary care giver.

55
Q

Which gender has been more affected by secularization?

A

More men have turned away from religion than women in the 20th century.

56
Q

What do Glock and Stark (1965) claim about gender difference in the the participation of NAMs and Sects?

A

Women are more likely to join them, this may be due to the fact that deprivation (Social, physical and mental) is felt disproportionately high for women.

57
Q

What did Tariq Modood et al, 1997 find in the 1994 PSI Fourth Survey of Ethnic Minorities?

A

1) Pakistani and Bangladeshi Muslims in the UK primarily identify themselves as Muslim rather than being Bangladeshi, Pakistani or British.

2) Many young Muslims have a deeper
religious knowledge than their parents.

3) Many young muslims feel more liberated by wearing headscarves due to not being subjected by the same stereotypes as non-Muslim girls.
4) But religiosity can be seen to have declined for young Asian men, Young Sikh men are less likely to wear turbans.

58
Q

Why is there a disproportional large amount Afro-Caribbeans within Pentecostal churches.

A

Afro-Caribbeans traditionally found racism among congregations so they developed their own churches.

59
Q

Why does Bruce (1995) argue cults are primarily middle class?

A

Because they are sufficient for fulfilling spiritual needs for those with little financial pressure.

60
Q

How does Bryan Wilson (1966) define secularisation?

A

The decline of Social significance of religious beliefs, function and organisations.

61
Q

Why does using church attendance to measure secularization have its limits?

A

People may not attend church because of lifestyles. Conversely, those who do may not even be religious themselves.

62
Q

How can pluralism be used to argue for secularization?

A

It normalizes rejecting religious ideologies.

63
Q

How can pluralism be used to argue against secularization?

A

The growing number of NAMs shows that while religion is changing, it is not falling.

64
Q

What does Weber say about secularisation?

A

It is inevitable due to the fact in the modern world we become less reliant on magic and myth. He referred to this as “Desacrlisation”.

65
Q

What do Functionalists say about secularisation?

A

They argue secularisation occurs due to societal “Differentiation”. Institutions in society have become more specialised, as a result the Church is involved in less aspects of life.

66
Q

What does Postmodernist David lyon argue about globalisations influence on religion.

A

He claims that religion has migrated to a “sphere of consumption”, allowing people to pick the parts they like.

67
Q

Peter Beye (1994) says globalisation has increased marginalisation in religion. What does this mean?

A

That religion has been removed from the public sphere but remains a private issue. E.g, should politics be secular.

68
Q

Peter Beye (1994) says globalisation has increased particularism in religion. What does this mean?

A

That as a response to be feeling threatened by globalisation, there has been rise in both fundamentalist and nationalist views

69
Q

Peter Beye (1994) says globalisation has increased universalism in religion. What does this mean?

A

That Globalisation has caused people to become aware of their commonality, and as a result has made them more aware of global issues.

70
Q

Weber describes “verstehen”, what does he mean by this and how is it relevant?

A

“verstehen” can be described as, like empathy but more so. It aids in maintaining value relevance by allowing the researcher to attempt to understand the research from the subjects point of view, rather than being subjected to biases.

Sociology (5 decks)

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