Movements (Joining NRMs) Flashcards
What are the 3 explanations for why there has been a growth in sect and cult membership?
- marginalisation
- relative deprivation
- impact of social change
According to Troeltsch, how does marginalisation explain the growth in sects and cults?
Marginalisation is being socially excluded. This is something experienced by the poor or ethnic minorities. It is for this reason that world-rejecting sects seem to be more attractive to the most disadvantaged from society. Most sects and filled with people who have experienced racism in wider society
According to Weber, how does marginalisation explain the growth in sects and cults?
Notes that poorer people are more likely to join a sect or cult due to offering them a theodicy of disprivilege, or a religious explanation for their suffering. World - rejectiing sects are good at latching onto members making them feel valued. For example, Jim Jones promoted The Peoples Temple which was an organisation that didn’t discriminate based on race.
Evaluation of the view that marginalisation has lead to a growth in membership of sects and cults?
Doesn’t explain why middle class white people join sects and cults
According to sociologists, how does relative deprivation explain a growth in membership of sects and cults?
Relative deprivation is feeling disadvantaged compared to others. This can be experienced by anyone. Those who are materially wealthy may feel there is something missing from their lives, such as spirituality. Claims that this leads to middle class people joining religious organisations so they can feel apart of a community which has a set of enriching values for them. Furthermore, relative deprivation may lead to people turning to world-affirming cults which promote self improvement
Evaluation of the view that relative deprivation explains a growth in sects and cults?
Fails to explain why the relatively deprived turn to world-rejecting ones
According to Wilson (1970), how has the impact of social change lead to a growth in sects and cults?
During periods of social change, heightens the risk of anomie whereby people lose a sense of the norms and values of society. Leaves people insecure about what the future may hold for people. For example, in the 1800s, (Industrial Rev) many people became dissatisfied with the Anglican Church so moved towards the sect of methodism which wanted to provide working class Christians with an organisation that took their concerns seriously.
According to Bruce (1995), how has the impact of social change lead to a growth in sects and cults?
More recently, sect and cult activity is a response to modernisation and secularisation of society. Many people felt dissatisfied with societies focus on materialism which lead them to join world-affirming organisations which gave them a sense of spiritual fulfillment which wasn’t being provided elsewhere
Evaluation of the view that social change has lead to the growth in sects and cults?
If social change was a thing to worry about, why don’t individuals turn to well established religions
What is a New Age Movement?
A spiritual belief and practice that have emerged since the 1980s. They are usually audience or client cults
According to Heelas (2008), why has there been a growth in New Age Movements? (Modernity)
NAM has grown because of the focus on self-spirituality and a rejection of traditional, authoritative religions.
According to Drane (1999), why has there been a growth in New Age Movements? (Modernity)
Evidence that society has moved towards an era of post-modernity. The popularity of meta-narratives as a means of explaining how the world works have declined. For example, peoples faith in science and religion has fallen and people are becoming more focussed on themselves
According to Bruce, why has there been a growth in New Age Movements? (Individualism)
Claims we are in the later stage of modernity. People are becoming more individualistic as such people use NAM to express this. NAMs have become an important part of Eastern societies which place a lot of emphasis on individual spirituality. People use NAMs to create an authentic identity which are separate from other people. Consumerism is becoming more and more popular. Used to comfort themselves in periods of social change. Organised religion is losing popularity.
