MT4 globalisation***

Question 1

Defensive reaction to globalisation fundamentalism

Answer 1

Giddens defines fundamentalists as traditionalists who seek to return to the basics of their religion. They behave in the literal teaching of their scriptures and claim to hold the monopoly of religious truth
According to Giddens, fundamentalism is a response to globalisation. Globalisation undermines traditional social norms by providing people with choice, but also facing them with increasing uncertainty. In response to this, individuals are attracted to fundamentalism as it offers certainty. Even though fundamentalists detest modernity, they use modern methods to spread their message, e.g internet, , mobile phones etc. Giddens argument can be exemplified with Islamic fundamentalists, e.g Bali bombings.

Question 2

Defensive reaction to globalisation- fundamentalism 2

Answer 2

Baumann sees fundamentalism as a response to living in postmodernity which brings with it freedom of choice, but also heightened risk and uncertainty . When faced with this, some embrace it, while others turn to fundamentalism which offers them certainty. Baumann’s idea can be exemplified with New Christian Right -Christian fundamentalism in the USA

Question 3

criticism of defensive reaction to globalisation

Answer 3

Giddens ignores the hybrid movements which merges traditionalism with cosmopolitanism
he ignores the differences between diff types of fundamentalism

Question 4

proactive reaction to globalisation -economic development

Answer 4

Nanda examines the role of Hinduism in legitimating the new ultra-nationalism and the prosperity of the Indian m/c. Nanda argues that globalisation has created a prosperous, educated and professional m/c in India.The secularisation theory would say this social group would abandon its religion, however, in India, many still believe in the supernatural . IN fact, it has become fashionable to be religious and there has been a growth in religious tourism and a trend towards worshipping low status village gods. Nanda argues that increasing religiosity among the m/c is the result of increasing uncertainty about their new-found wealth which stems from the contradiction between their new wealth and traditional Hindu belief in renunciation of material goods and worldly desires. This ambivalence is resolved by modern holy men and tele-gurus who assures the m/c that wealth is a manifestation of divinity. Therefore, modern Hinduism legitimates the position of the m/c and enables them to adjust to globalised consumer capitalism. Hinduism encourages nationalism and worshipping God has become the same as worshipping the nation thus making Hinduism into a civil religion.

Question 5

proactive reaction to globalisation -economic development 2

Answer 5

Pentecostalism imposes strict rules - attendance of services several times a week, Bible studies etc. and a strict moral code - no smoking, drinking or pre-marital sexual relations etc. Also it emphasises self-improvement through the prosperity of theology whereby churches offers business classes. Berger argues that Pentecostalism therefore acts as a functional equivalent to the Protestant work ethic which leads to economic development