Chapter 9 (Science and Religion) Flashcards
True or False: Religion and science are both belief systems
True
Define Beliefs
Any proposition thought to be true
Define Systems
cohesive set of interrelated beliefs
True or False: Science and religion both deviantized, and do not deviantize others
False: they are both deviantized and deviantize others
What 2 factors lead to the study of religion by sociologists?
- the belief that we live in a secular society
2. Marxist influence: religion is the opium of the people
What major three things does religion have an influence over in our social life?
- How people vote
- Financial decisions
- Our view on social issues
What is the dominant religion in Canada?
Christianity
True or False: Most Canadians remain affiliated with their parents religion
True
How is the religious demographic changing in Canada?
- Increased reporting of ‘no religious affiliation’
- 1980s saw a 144% increase in “other” religions
- immigration policies have increased diversity
Define Secularization
Process by which religion loses its influence
Is Canada secularized? Explain.
Yes: Public schools don’t pray; stores are open on Sundays
No: Christian holidays are publicly funded; the Charter; swear on bible in courts
What was the Quiet Revolution?
1960’s Quebecois abandoned the church; saw it as oppressive and irrelevant
In essence, what do definitional problems with religion address?
If you’re religious and spiritual, you’re at the top. If you have only one, then you are missing something.
What are the traditional classifications of religious groups?
Ecclesia (everything is defined by religion), Churches, Sects, Cults
How do we determine what groups are likely to be deviantized?
It’s a function of a level of tension between different groups. If you’re not a certain religion, you’re othered. Self segregation is also a factor.
Explain the deviance of sects
Both require that people are absolutely obedient. Less deviantized if there is some investment in society (eg, jehovah’s witnesses) where they establish a presence
What is a Denominational Sect?
sect that is increasingly integrated into larger society and may be considered a denomination of a larger church
Explain the deviance of cults
Cults often form around some crazy, but charismatic leader with some crazy message. Cults are more deviant, because they separate themselves from mainstream society. They are often in tension with mainstream society.
What are the three social controls of deviant religions?
Governments, anti cult and anti counter cult movements, and media.
Explain Cults and the media, and explain a “cult menace” frame
In the 60’s the media created a “cult menace” frame which was characterized by: 1. use of one sided sources
2. superficial coverage
3. employment of sensationalist stereotypes
4. over-reporting of atypical events
Overall, media can construct cults are “folk devils” which can lead to moral panics.
List the characteristics of the Cult Narrative created by the media
- Members shown wearing distinctive clothing
- Cults are located in isolated areas- eg farm
- Members shown living in communes
- Groups’ belief systems are often portrayed as delusional
- Groups peculiarities (in belief or practices) are made visible- eg group chanting in public park
What is a counter cult movement?
Often oppose religious freedom, focus is on groups who interpret the bible incorrectly, primarily focused on getting more adherents in their own faith, and since they are deviantized, they are less powerful than anti cult groups.
What are Anti Cult groups?
Newer, act only on their belief that cults are destructive (eg. parents of hippie kids in the 60s)
How does our law serve to socially control religion?
The Charter:
Guarantee of Rights and Freedoms, and Fundamental Freedoms (including “freedom of conscience and religion”)
But really, we don’t know what it means to be part of a multi cultural society because wyte people suck.
List the three examples where religion serves as the deviantizer
Witch Persecutions (Christian), Residential Schools (Christian), Victorian Child Savers - removal of children from their homes (protestant led, social gospel movement)
What are the two ways that science is deviant?
Misconduct, and Pseudo-science
Explain science misconduct
scientific practices deemed unacceptable or inappropriate because they intentionally manipulate research outcomes (plagiarism, data falsification).
Most common in biomed research. Overall, extremely common. Stem people are just as evil
What are the two theories that explain scientific misconduct?
Bad Apple theory: claims acts of scientific misconduct are rare
Iceberg Theory: of the cases we know, it’s the tip of the iceberg. It gets worse. This argues it’s a structural problem within institution.
Expand on the Iceberg Theory
There is a lot of pressure to publish, there is publishing bias (
Discuss pseudo science, and explain Alan Young’s study.
Deals with the social construction of science: what is legit science changes over time.
Young: Harmony of Delusions: Inventing PTSD (1995) - PTSD is an invention, and the the term constitutes the experience (labelling it as a condition was a means of lessening the financial blow to the government after the vietnam war)
How does Science Deviantize others
Social Darwinism: based on belief that humans evolve from primitive to more civilized - referenced to rationalize colonization, eugenics programs
Medical/Psychiatric Diagnoses: labelling, puts the “blame” on patients
