keywords Flashcards
conservative force
one that maintains traditional beliefs and customs
– observable evidence collected in the physical or social world
social change
changes to society – this view claims that religion can move society forward
social soldarity
when people are united through their shared values and culture
value consensus
agreement about the values to follow
functional prerequistes
-basic needs that must be met for society to survive
cultural defence
where culture or religion is used to defend a society under threat
cultural transition
when people use their religion as a source of identity and support during periods of transition e.g. when migrating to another country
totem
a sacred object which has symbolic importance for a group
collective conscience
the shared values which binds members of society together and regulates behaviour
religiosity
refers to how important religion is in people’s lives
alientation
when workers feel disconnected from and dissatisfied with their work
opium
a drug made from opium poppies
relative autonomy
neo Marxist idea suggesting some institutions, like religion, can have some independence from the capitalists
cultural imperalism
when Western cultural values are forced on non Western cultures, thus undermining local cultures
universe of meaning
a set of beliefs and values which enables people to give life some focus and meaning
theodicy
an explanation for the contradiction in the existence of God
sacred canopy
religion acts as a shield to protect people from the uncertainties of life
stained glass ceiling
women are excluded from senior roles within religions
marginalisation
when people are excluded e.g. women excluded or restricted in some religions
religious fundamentalism
a return to the fundamentals of a religion usually based on a literal interpretation of sacred texts
civil religion
when society becomes sacralised and people worship their society e.g. USA
