H Flashcards
Secularism
a general movement away from religiosity and spiritual belief toward a rational, scientific orientation: a trend adopted by industrialized nations in the form of separation of church and state
Secularization Theory
theories that explain why modern societies tend to become secular
Religion
a system of beliefs, traditions, and practices around sacred things; a set of shared “stories” that guide belief and action
Where does religion come from through sociological perspective? (Secularization theory)
There are 3:
One of them is the opposite of the other
One has an example
Marx: conflict theory- religion is a means of social stratification. Saw beliefs as a reflection of the class “base” Ex. caste system; religious is used as way to provide substance for those who are poor,
Weber- Protestantism was a driver of capitalism. Believed ideas/beliefs affect the economic base, not just vice-versa
Religion is there to drive economic change not be the reason for capitalism (Opposite of Marx way)
Durkheim: Functionalism- religion generates social solidarity by strengthening the collective conscience
The sacred canopy and its relationship to secularization:
Explain too:
Peter Berger’s term to describe the entire set of religious norms, symbols, and beliefs
As society becomes more modern, there are more challenges to the sacred canopy (religion)
It becomes harder to believe everything in the sacred canopy when you know people who are in a different religion
Ronald Inglehart’s postmaterialism thesis
wealthier countries tend to shift away from survival values and toward secular authority
Religious economies model
An approach to explaining why the US was, for a time, something of an outlier.
Socialization
The process by which individuals internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of a given society and learn to function as members of that society.
Status (according to Conley)
A recognizable social position that an individual occupies
Social Cohesion
Social bonds; how well people relate to each other and get along on a day-to-day basis
STRATIFICATION
the hierarchical organization of a society into groups with differing
levels of power, social prestige, or status and economic resources.
Social Capital
The information, knowledge of people or things, and connections that help individuals enter, gain power in, or otherwise leverage social networks.
Social infrastructure
the policies, resources, and services that ensure people can participate in productive social and economic activities.
