Fundamentalism Flashcards
What are 3 causes of fundamentalism?
MIGRATION: many people are displaced which causes resentment. Minorities in a country can feel their religions and traditions are under threat, e.g the Palestines after the creation of Israel in 1948
ECONOMIC problems: recessions, unemployment, strike and famine all cause grievances in society
SPECIFIC TRIGGER EVENT: it usually takes a specific event/shock to mobilise people into fundamentalism (death of a leader or poor harvest)
LEADERSHIP: some have the need to persuade people to follow a fundamentalist path. Act as an “ideological catalyser” gains loyal support due to charismatic personality
What is fundamentalism?
This involves a literalist reading of a holy book with faith being identified at the centre of a persons life. It is a rational and enviable response of traditionally religious people to social, political and economic changes that downgrade and constraint the role of religion.
How has social change resulted in fundamentalism?
Fundamentalists are often conservative and appeal to traditional values. Nevertheless, they seek to change society in order to return to traditional lifestyles and outlooks.
How has secularisation lead to fundamentalism?
Fundamentalism can be seen as a challenge to secularisation as it involves revival and resacrilisation (return to faith)
How are NRM’s a result of fundamentalism?
Marginalised individuals may be attracted to the world rejecting NRM’s. Affluent individuals may feel that fundamentalist groups provide them with self-fulfilment (relative deprivation)
Why might people of ethnic minorities become fundamentalists?
Groups who have been discriminated against may find that a fundamentalist position provides them with a ‘cultural defence’ against the hostility of the wider society.
