globalisation and religion

Question 1

what is fundamentalism

Answer 1

Fundamentalism is a form of religion that upholds belief in the strict, literal interpretation of scripture. They arise where traditional beliefs are threatened in modern society, especially by the impact of increasingly globalised economy

Question 2

key features of religious fundamentalism

Answer 2

An authoritative sacred text - For Christian fundamentalists every word of the bible is literally true, its truths are valid for all eternity and it contains the answers to all life’s important questions. The text is not open for questioning, EG Christian fundamentalists require belief in the Virgin Birth of Christ. F. are intolerant of all other views
Us vs Them mentality, they see themselves as separate from the rest of the world and refuse to compromise it
Aggressive reaction to challenges of their belief system
Seek to enforce the patriarchy by controlling women’s behaviour and sexuality
Embrace conspiracy theories
Application of biblical prophecies to contemporary events

Question 3

fundamentalism and modernity

Answer 3

Giddens argues that the promotion of cosmopolitan values has led to the rise in fundamentalism. Globalisation undermines traditional social norms, it promotes diverse views, and people now have a more liberal worldview which has threatened conservative assumptions of the world. Mainstream religions have diluted their views to stay relevant pushing minorities to extremes. Bauman argues that fundamentalist views emerge as fundamentalists cannot cope with the lack of truth in the PM world. In this situation, some may embrace the new freedoms in a PM world others are attracted to fundamentalism

Question 4

types of fundamentalism

Answer 4

Castells distinguish between two -
Resistance identity - fundamentalist groups protect values under threat
Project Identity - Embrace change through NRM

Question 5

fundamentalism

Answer 5

different fundamentalist groups may have different origins according to Bruce
Global West - fundamentalism is a reaction against progressivism and change taking place within a society. EG the new Christian right has developed in opposition to family diversity, sexuality and gender equality. It aims to restore true religion to the public role where it can shape the laws of society
Global East - Fundamentalism is a reaction to change forced upon them from the outside. It is triggered by modernisation and Western values being imposed by foreign capitalism. Fundamentalism in this case means resistance to states’ attempts to sideline it and confine it to the private sphere - Irans islamic revolution

Question 6

secular fundamentalism

Answer 6

Davie argues that globalisation has promoted the Western domination of science. Both religious and secular movements can become fundamentalists as a result of the greater uncertainties of life in the late modern or post-modern world. In Western Europe, religious challenges to liberal secular values has provoked a secular fundamentalist reaction. Davie argues that since the 70s the views of the Enlightenment project have come under attack, this is due to the insecurity caused by globalisation. This led to the loss of faith in the major secular ideologies. As a result, these secular ideologies are themselves fighting for survival. For example, the disintegration of communist Yugoslavia in the early 90s led to a secular nationalist fundamentalism that justified ethnic cleansing.

Question 7

clash of civilisations

Answer 7

Hethington argues that globalisation has created seven types of civilisation based on religion. These civilisations are in conflict with each other. This is why western intervention in Arabic states has pushed some to religious extremes

Question 8

religion and the economy

Answer 8

Some sociologists argue that religion as had a key role in developing economies around the world. Globalisation has turned india into a global economy, secularisation theory predicts them to be the first to become secular but according to Nada, a vast majority of them continue to believe in the supernatural. Hindu telegurus encourage personal profit-making religion more popular. Beger argues that pentecostalism in south america has encouraged followers in Brazil to improve work ethic which has helped improve Brazilian economy

Question 9

evals

Answer 9

Bruce argues that globalisation does not just lead to fundamentalism but other religions too