Beliefs in society: religion as a conservative force vs a force for change Flashcards
Religion as a force for change/conflict
- Liberal feminism: women have been ordained as priests, showing the move towards conflict (Bristol, 2994)
- world rejecting organisations expect their members to withdraw from society
- the rapid growth of NRMs may reflect individuals’ unease with the rapidly changing dynamics of society. Religion could be used as a coping mechanism for change as people may join religious groups to gain a sense of social solidarity and help prevent anomie. Some sects promote traditional religious views to attract followers
- a collapse in the metanarrative in society means people have more options about which beliefs they choose to have (pluralism)
- Age: growth in the postmodern/globalised society means that younger people are exposed to more belief systems e.g. growth of NRM/NAMs, and thereforechoosee new religions
- Gender: women are leaving the church at a faster rate than men, more likely to join holistic milieus e.g. groups focused on the self (functional definition) rather than because there is a supernatural being (substantive definition)
- ethnicity: cultural transition shows religion can be used as a support mechanism as people move to new society.
religion as a conservative force
Functionalism: religion aims to keep society stable and cope with anomie e.g. Durkheim CSI
Radical feminism: women are kept in their oppressed position through religious organisations and their hierarchy.
the church promotes men to the top of the hierarchy meaning men are seen as the most powerful in society
age: largely people who are over 65 make up the congregation of the church - traditional as members are there to reaffirm beliefs as they age
gender: men have leadership roles e.g. vicars, while women fulfil traditional roles such as Sunday schools, cafes, morning groups
ethnicity: cultural defence - people use religion to avoid feelings of anomie
religion is a force which helps to maintain traditional beliefs, norms and values despite changes happening in society e.g. economic development in India
in the globalised world, differences between cultures are less obvious and people use their traditional religions to identify themselves as unique and individualised.
both:
fundamentalism could be seen as a way to prevent change and anomie in society by clinging onto religious traditions. others would argue the revert back to tradition is a ‘change’ from the post-modern society in which we live.
