Postmodernism

Question 1

In the majority of essays, when is it a good idea to use Postmodernism?

Answer 1

Conclusion
As a way to evaluate every other theory
- It = better way of understanding religion today

Question 2

When postmodernism begin?

Answer 2

1980s marked end of ‘modern’ era + start of ‘postmodernity’

According to postmodernists

Question 3

What is postmodernism?

Answer 3

Postmodernism = contemporary theoretical approach

Question 4

What does postmodernism assume?

Answer 4

starts with assumption that S has undergone significant changes since 1980s

Question 5

Name 4 aspects of a Pre-Modern society.

Answer 5

1. Belief in creationism
2. Religion is a metanarrative
3. Rural living
4. Sacrilisation

Question 6

When was the Pre-Modern era?

Answer 6

Up to the 1750s

Question 7

Name 4 aspects of a Modern society.

Answer 7

1. Belief in evolution
2. Science is a metanarrative
3. Industrial
4. De-sacrilisation

Question 8

When was the era of Modernity?

Answer 8

1750s - 1980s

Question 9

Name 4 aspects of a Postmodern society.

Answer 9

1. Plurality of beliefs - both religious and secular
2. There are no grand metamarratives
3. Society is globalised
4. Re-sacrilisation

Question 10

When was the era of postmdernity?

Answer 10

1980s - today

Question 11

Name the 5 characteristics of a postmodern society.

Answer 11

1. Individualisation
2. Rejection of grand metanarratives
3. Globalisation
4. Chosen identities
5. Loss f faith in science

Question 12

What has happened as a result of religious pluralism increasing?

Answer 12

Traditional religions = declined

They no longer provides social solidarity - such diversity of beliefs

Question 13

What do Postmodernists argue that individuals now have the ability do do with religious beliefs?

Answer 13

Individuals can now ‘pick and mix’ religious beliefs/ practices
Suit their IDs + lifestyles

Question 14

What do Postmodernists argue that religion based more in now?

Answer 14

Religion = based more in consumerism
Religion = a commodity
We = spiritual shoppers

Question 15

Explain what postmodernists mean when they say that religion has been relocated.

Answer 15

Religion has been relocated out of traditional institutional settings (churches)
Experienced instead at home/ other public settings, online + through media

Question 16

Does Hervieu-Leger argue that religious participation has remained the same?

Answer 16

No

She believes that it has changed (postmodern era)

Question 17

What does Hervieu-Leger argue that we have seen a decline in?

Answer 17

Traditional religious institutions

As children = no longer socialised into religious beliefs + participation

Question 18

What does Hervieu-Leger see religion as?

Answer 18

Personal choice for individuals rather than an inherited, fixed ID

Question 19

What does Hervieu-Leger argue that individuals in society have become?

Answer 19

‘Spiritual shoppers’

Question 20

What does Hervieu-Leger mean by ‘spiritual shoppers’?

Answer 20

We = consumers
Have choices about religious beliefs + practices we choose to engage in
Can choose elements of religion which fit with our ID + lifestyle

Question 21

What does Hervieu-Leger argue that religion no longer acts as?

Answer 21

Source of collective ID

= huge diversity of religious beliefs + practices

Question 22

How can the work of Hervieu-Leger be used to criticise Marxists and Feminists?

Answer 22

We have the ability to pick + choose different aspects of religions
We = therefore less likely to be affected by ideologies

Question 23

Does Hervieu-Leger think that religion has any influence over individuals and society?

Answer 23

Yes
She recognises that religion continues to have some influence on S’s values
e.g. values of equality + human rights have their roots in religion (i.e murder)

Question 24

Does Lyon agree with Hervieu-Leger?

Answer 24

Yes
He agrees that religion has become a commodity + individuals have become consumers of religion
BUT argues this has been amplified due to globalisation

Question 25

What does Lyon say about globalisation?

Answer 25

Using religion as a commodity has increased due to globalisation
Has allowed ideas + beliefs to cross national boundaries
Resulting in increased diversity + choice
Also led to relocation of religion

Question 26

What is the word Lyon uses to explain how religion has been relocated?

Answer 26

‘Disembedded’

Question 27

What does Lyon’s concept of ‘disembedded’ mean?

Answer 27

Religion has been relocated out of traditional locations (churches)
Now be experienced virtually through the internet + media

Question 28

What does Lyon emphasise?

Answer 28

Increased element of personal choice in religious beliefs + practices
Religion has undergone significant changes in postmodern era

Question 29

What does Bauman contribute to our understanding of?

Answer 29

Why individuals = still drawn to religion in a postmodern world

Question 30

What does Bauman argue that postmodernity has lead to?

Answer 30

He argues that postmodernity has lead to a ‘crisis of meaning’

Question 31

What does Bauman mean by a ‘crisis of meaning’?

Answer 31

Due to increased diversity
Fragmented beliefs + values (decline inc collective values)
No longer sense of morality
Are no universal truths about the universe + its meaning
People = searching for moral guidance in terms of how to live their lives

Question 32

According to Bauman why do people turn to religion?

Answer 32

Religions and religious leaders are seen to be ‘experts’ in terms of providing moral guidance on hoe to live your life and as a result people turn to religion to provide meaning and moral guidance in an uncertain world.

Question 33

How can Postmodernism be used to criticise Functionalism?

Answer 33

Due to globalisation, the society has become more fragmented and diverse - there is more religious pluralism. Therefore there is no longer values consensus as not everyone will share the same religious values.

Question 34

How can Postmodernism be used to criticise Marxism?

Answer 34

Due to the fact that we are able to pick and choose aspects of different religions, the proletariat (wc) are less likely to be oppressed by the bourgeoisie (rc) and their ideologies.

Question 35

How can Postmodernism be used to criticise Feminism?

Answer 35

Today’s society is more fragmented than it used to be and this has lead to an increase in diversity and choice for women. This can be shown through social changes such as legislation that has given women more choice e.g. the Equal Pay Act 1970.

Question 36

Is Postmodernism useful in helping us to understand religion in society today?

Answer 36

The Postmodernist approach is the most contemporary and as such gives us an understanding of religion in society better than some other theoretical perspectives.

Question 37

When is it vital to talk about Postmodernism?

Answer 37

If the question asks you to talk about understanding religion in society today - it is the most contemporary theory and as such gives us an understanding of religion in society better than some other theoretical perspectives.

Question 38

What is postmodernism the only theory to adequately explain?

Answer 38

Globalisation

Question 39

What does postmodernism recognise that many other theories don’t?

Answer 39

It recognises an increase in religious diversity and the impact of process like globalisation and the effect that they have on religion. This is VERY useful.

Question 40

Describe a way in which postmodernism does not contribute to our understanding of society today.

Answer 40

Postmodernism as an approach = only useful if we assume that we actually live in a postmodern society. A postmodern society is just an idea put forward, like all of the other perspectives, but whether or not society has actually changed that significantly is up for debate.

Question 41

What is the ‘Enlightenment Era’?

Answer 41

Change from belief in religion to a belief in science

When a pre-modern S becomes a modern S