Postmodernism Flashcards
What is post modernism
After modernity
Gone from pre industrial society to technological society
What is resurgence
Renewal and choice
Religion has increased
Who believed in the religious market theory
Stark and Bainbridge
What is the religious market theory
Secularisation is too Eurocentric
People are naturally religious, always need something to believe in
Religion can provide us supernatural rewards when real ones are scarce
Other religions have grown, they have been replaced with sects and cults
The more choice of religion there is = the more attractive
What is evidence of stark and Bainbridge: America vs Europe
If there is a religious monopoly in a country, church with no competition, religion will decline as the church has no incentive to change
What is a criticism of stark and Bainbridge
Bruce argues decline is evident in america and Europe, belief is the one that is in long term decline as people are not committed
What did Norris and Inglehart talk about?
Existential security theory
What is the existential security theory
Religion meets a need for security, poor societies eg famine and disease, rich societies have a higher standard of living so a lower religiosity
Demand varies between societies
What is evidence of Norris and ingleharts theory
Western Europe= most equal and secure, offer health care, growing secularisation
USA = most unequal of rich countries, poor welfare, dog eat dog values = greater need for religion
What are the criticisms of Norris and Ingleharts theory
Only based on quantitative data, need more on definitions of existential security
Ignore the positive reasons that people have religious participation
Ignore the appeal that religion can have for the wealthy
What did Davie believe
Religion is becoming more privatised
Attendance at church is a personal choice, we don’t feel as though we have to go
Believing without belonging
What is an example of Davies theory
Canadian survey
25% of Canadians went to church, 80% of them said they had religious beliefs
What are criticisms of davie
British social attitudes show church attendance and belief are both in decline
People wont invest time in attending church which is a decline of their beliefs
What is vicarious religion according to Davie
Expected for others to practice but you don’t have to, they do it on your half
What is the spiritual health service according to Davie
Visit it when you need it
What did Leger say
Cultural amnesia- children are no longer taught about religion by their parents
Church has lost its power to impose religion onto people
No Sunday school
What is the argument against cultural amnesia
Traditional religion has been replaced by individual consumerism, religion has not disappeared
Become spiritual shoppers- DIY approach to religion
Pilgrims and new ages groups
What did Lyon believe
We have instant access to beliefs due to globalisation
Electronic Church = televangelism
Religion has become disembedded
Technology instead of going to church
What did Bauman believe
Increase in fundamentalism
Current crisis of meaning, entered liquid modernity
Rise in NRMs and NAMs
Fundamentalist provide an answer in the chaos in postmodern global world
What did Bunting believe
DIY cocktail
spiritual shopping
Seasonal attenders- dipping in when needed eg christmas and Easter
Pick and mix religion
What did Heelas believe
Rise in new age beliefs and rejection of science and modernity
Holistic milieu- involve the mind, body and sprit eg yoga and self discovery
What is the evaluation of postmodernism
Berger = secularisation was Eurocentric
Religion is still traditional has not been disembedded eg Christian’s in Africa
Overstate the significance of technology, it extends the reach but does not change the meaning to the audience
Growth in new age movements does not challenge the popularity of major religions “believing without belonging” but may not believe at all
