Lecture 9 - Religion and Social Variables

Question 1

Why do ethnic minority groups have high levels of religious participation according to Bruce?

Answer 1

Cultural transition and cultural defence

Question 2

What did Miller and Hoffman find that supports the idea that women have higher levels of religious participation than men?

Answer 2

Women express greater interest in religion, have a stronger personal commitment to religion and attend church more often than men.

Question 3

Which age group is the most religious in terms of belief?

Answer 3

Over 65s

Question 4

How can separating age, gender, class and ethnicity into variables be criticised?

Answer 4

1. Too simplistic- in reality, they all operate together

2. In a postmodern society, these fixed categories no longer apply

Question 5

What are the reasons for gender differences in religious participation according to Miller and Hoffman?

Answer 5

Differential socialisation and differential roles

Question 6

Which groups, in terms of class do sects recruit from according to Weber?

Answer 6

Working class - marginalised and deprived groups.

Question 7

Why do the older population tend to be more religious?

Answer 7

1. Generational effect- each generation is less religious than the one before.
2. Ageing effect- as death approaches people become more interested in repentance, life after death etc.

Question 8

Where does a large proportion of the Church of England’s membership come from in terms of class?

Answer 8

Middle class

Question 9

Why do the under 15’s age group have high levels of religiosity?

Answer 9

More likely to be made to go to church by their parents.

Question 10

Why can religious participation be greater in middle classes?

Answer 10

Religious affiliation can be seen as a desirable social characteristic, church can be an opportunity for social networking.