interpretivist theory Flashcards
what is the interpretivist approach
-Study the meanings and interpretations of people in order to understand their behaviour.
-Look at the way religion is used by followers to create interpretations of the world, and to understand the meanings sacred symbols have for individuals
-See religion as a conservative force as it helps maintain stability.
Berger’s beliefs on religion as an interpretivist
-Argues that religion provides what he calls a ‘universe of meaning’
-Religion is a sacred canopy, stretching over society, providing a shield that protects people from the uncertainties, meaninglessness and pointlessness of life, by helping them to interpret and make sense of the world and their position in it.
Importance of religion now according to Berger
-In a media saturated, globalised, postmodern society, there is increasing diversity and fragmentation of beliefs , and religion is losing its validity as a theodicy for human suffering.
-religion no longer provides a source of meaning and morality
ideas of Berger and Kellner
-agrees with Functionalists that religion is good
-but B + K focus on how religion helps the individual make sense of the world
religion = ‘plausibility structure’
-if you aren’t religious your ‘spiritually homeless’
ideas of Stark and Bainbridge
- See religion meeting the needs of individuals when their sense of social order is disrupted by economic hardship etc..
- Religion is a general compensator- a belief that if individuals act in a particular way, they will eventually be rewarded.
religion = conservative force - Believe that religion will never disappear, as it provides answers to universal questions.
