nam's reasons for appeal Flashcards
to feel more successful
Heelas (1996) suggest that these ‘self-religions’ appeal to affluent (wealthy), university educated, socially integrated and successful middle-class people who find something missing in their lives despite their success. They seek ways of reconnecting with their ‘inner selves’ to improve their success. Heelas describes NAMs as a form of ‘excessive individualism’
filling the vacuum
Lyotard (1984) suggests that in postmodern society there has been a loss of faith in meta narratives which are the big theories which explain everything According to Bauman (1992) this results in a ‘crisis of meaning’. Heelas (1998) suggests that NAMs emerge to fill this ‘vacuum of meaning’.
identity creation
Heelas (1996) argues that in postmodern society, traditional resources for creating identity such as gender, social class and ethnicity are changing and becoming harder to define. Therefore, people turn to NAMs as a clearer source of identity. Heelas also identifies three levels of commitment to NAMs: fully engaged, serious part-timers and casual part-timers.
globalisation
As technology has increased, space and time have been compressed, meaning that people have access to a whole range of ideas and religious organisations around the world. The expansion of different forms of digital media have led to the rise of what Baudrillard calls ‘media saturated society’ which enables people to pick and mix beliefs.
secularisation
The continuing decline in religious beliefs and practices particularly in traditional religions leads to people looking to replace the gap with alternative belief systems. NAMs may provide a more attractive alternative to mainstream religion, especially since they offer new and creative ways of practicing.
social change
Postmodernity has been characterised by rapid social change and thus people may find they need the security and support of NAMs which provide security.
