Beliefs in society - Terms & Concepts Flashcards
What is an ideology?
A set of beliefs put forwards by powerful groups. The opposite of ideology is truth; a set of ideas that are true regardless of the power attached to people suggesting them.
What is fundamentalism?
A desire for society to return to follow the basic (traditional) text of a religious order. (E.g. The Taliban outlawed western music and stopped girls being educated past the age of 12, a rule based on their interpretation of the ruling class.)
What is Secularisation?
The process by which religious belief, practice and organisations lose their importance in society. (The decline of church attendances is often used by sociologists to suggest that people are no longer religious.)
What is globalisation?
The idea that the world is increasingly interconnected and barriers are disappearing - the world is now in almost unavoidable contact with each other. (Globalisation can lead to increases in religious conflict as religions have to battle to protect their understanding of the world.)
What is Religiosity?
The extent that an individual is religious.
Which definition of religion is favoured by Durkheim?
The Inclusivist definition is the view that organisations that function in religious ways for members of society are religions (e.g. a cult). These organisations can invoke feelings of awe, have rituals and promote a moral code. This does however mean that communism and supporting a football team can be classes as being a part of a religion.
Who argued in favour of the exclusivist definition of religion?
Stark and Bainbridge.
What is the exclusivist definition of religion?
An exclusivist (narrow) definition of religion requires a supernatural element such as a God to be present. The exclusivist definition does however mean that Buddhism isn’t classified as a religion as it has no God.
What is the term used to describe ideas that a person accepts to be true and a part of religious organisation or religion?
Religious beliefs (e.g Christians believe that there is one God who is seen in the trinity; the father, the son and the holy ghost).
What is the term used to describe the actions that a person must undertake to be considered part of a religious organisation?
Religious practices e.g. Muslims are expected to pray 5 times a day.
What does the question “what is the function/role/purpose of religion?” mean
This means what part religion plays for the individual and for society. (E.g. Functionalists, argue that religion’s ethical codes provides social control for society and help individuals integrate into society by giving them a set of rules to adhere to.
