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
