Globalisation and Religion

Question 1

which sociologists try to explain why religion is dominant in some countries but not others?

Answer 1

Stark & Bainbridge and Stark & Finke

Question 2

what is their explanation?

Answer 2

religious market theory and rational choice theory- religious organisations are like businesses that compete in the spiritual marketplace and competition leads to greater variety of religion and improved quality or religious product

Question 3

criticisms of Stark & Banbridge and Stark & Finch

Answer 3

• doesn’t explain why secularisation occurs in some countries but not others
• little attention paid to non-mainstream religions
• no evidence to suggest link between religious choice and religious participation

Question 4

What does Norris and Inglehart say in their existential security theory?

Answer 4

• different levels of religiosity emerge due to different levels of existential security
• religions main function is to provide a sense of confidence and predictability in a threatening and uncertain world
• USA is highly religious due to sharp inequalities, health system