Growth of NRMS

Question 1

name JUST BLOODY NAME 5 reasons for the growth of NRMs

Answer 1

1) Pragmatic Motives
2) Protest
3) Social change or disruption
4) Secularisation
5) Globalisation + the media

Question 2

explain how Practical and Pragmatic Reasons (Heelas) contributed to the growth of NRM’s

Answer 2

:• Pragmatic Reasons = Many NRM apeal to wealthy + highly educated who use religion organsaiotn to ‘ESCAPE’ from pressure of work and family. NRMS give followers a ‘break’ from reality and as such the followers gain respite from their hectic lives = allows them to function and be successful + teach ppl to achieve emotionally and materially

Question 3

Explain how Globalisation and the Media (Baudrillard) contributed to the growth of NRM’s

Answer 3

Baudrillard - postmodernist world is saturated by the media and as such ppl are more aware of + have access to diff types of types of NRMs

Religion is fast becoming fashionable with younger gen. celebrity endorsement + profiles = individualistic diverse and choice ridden nature of postmodernst world.

Question 4

Explain how Social Change (Wilson) contributed to the growth of NRM’s

Answer 4

Wilson argues that ppl are more liekly to turn to NRMs during times of social upheaval or disruption to the norm. During these times ppl experience feelings of normlessness, uncertainty and insecurity = NRMs offer certainty, structure and secuirty

Question 5

Explain how Secularisation (Giddens & Bruce) contributed to the growth of NRM’s

Answer 5

Giddens: Traditional religions have watered down their beliefs to fit in a more secular world. People look to NRMs to receive comfort and community in NRM’s which the big religions no longer offer.

Bruce: loss of faith in traditional religious leaders who are seen as out of touch. NRM’s provide a refuge for those seeking spiritual and firm beliefs in a secular society.

Question 6

Postmodernism (Lyotard and Bauman)

Answer 6

Lyotard: there is a loss of faith in metanarratives and what Berger referred to a ‘universes of meaning’ which have created gaps which people look to NRM’s to fill.

Bauman: With so many conflicting ideologies & beliefs, people experience a ‘Crisis of Meaning’ & as such form & join NRMs to retain some control & normality.

Identify Formation: traditional forms of identity have become fragmented so people turn to NRM’s to help form their identity.

Question 7

Status Frustration (Wallis and Barker)`