Chapter 12 - Religion in Canada Flashcards
What do sociologists of religion focus on?
The ways people act out their religious beliefs and practices, and how religious beliefs intersect with social institutions
Which sociological perspective views religion as illusory happiness and points to the power of religion in social life
Marxist tradition (Karl Marx)
What religion is Canada dominated by?
Christianity: Roman Catholicism and Protestant
Why is religion in Canada changing?
Growing presence of more religious groups and no religious affiliation
Why was greater attention paid to religion and violence
9/11
How is the religious demographic in Canada changing?
Growth in Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist and Hindu communities and decline in attendance among Christian communities
What promotes policies that support diverse religious identities?
Canadian Multiculturalism Act
How did Beyer say that religion and youth intersect?
Take responsibility for own religious identity
What is the functional definition of religion?
Focus is on what religion does for the social group and individual
What is the substantive definition of religion?
Examine what religion is and what does not count as religion
What was Durkheim’s view of religion?
Viewed it as a social phenomenon and source of social cohesion
Who said that society tends to divide the world into sacred and profane?
Durkheim
Who examined the role religion played in creating social cohesion, or civil religion?
Bellah
What is the difference between religion and spirituality for most people?
Religion is organized and spirituality is less institutional and more private
What is based on hierarchy of what counts as religion?
Arbitrary division
Who created a distinction effectively separating religion as distinct from everyday life reflect christian views of religion and spirituality?
Asad
Who embraced a methodological approach to move outside or beyond traditional Christian thinking about religion?
McGuire
Which sociologist suggested a more subtle approach to studying religion, saying religion is more personal and individual?
Closson James
Which sociologist did a classic study of new religious movements?
Barker
Which sociologist examined Raelians, a Quebec-based UFO group?
Palmer
What is the process by which religion increasingly loses influence in society?
Secularization
Why is secularization linked to the enlightenment?
Enlightenment gave rise to science, which appeared to replace religion
What is Casanova’s Multilevel Theory of Secularization?
Secularization as religion is declining, secularization as differentiation, secularization as privatization
What is Davie’s theory of Believing Without Belonging?
Many Canadians cite affiliation with organized religion but have little contact with those organizations in reality
What is the theory of secularization?
Secularization may be enhanced by more complex notions of religion
What was the Quiet Revolution in the late 1960s?
Decline in church attendance, participation among Quebec population
What were explanations for the Quiet Revolution?
Changing perceptions of the church as anti-modern, oppressive
What is the current debate about religion in society in Quebec?
It’s related to religious practices of immigrants, especially Muslims. Raises the question of “reasonable accommodation” for religious minorities
What is the Issue of Language of Accommodation?
Suggests that religious differences are “tolerated” not respected
What is an important social institution that mediates how religious beliefs can be expressed through practice?
Law
What sets boundaries on religious expression?
Law
Where are religious beliefs protected?
Charter of Rights and Freedoms
What have scholars argued about religion and gender?
Key institutional site of women’s oppression
What did Hoodfar emphasize about religion?
Various perspectives among women who choose to wear the hijab
Which sociologist argued that women must abandon traditional religion and its patriarchal control?
Daly
What is a reformist strategy about religion and gender?
Women reshape or reframe religious teachings to affirm women’s agency
What have people said about violence against women within religious communities?
Insufficiently addressed and denied
