reason for growth of new religious movements and new age spirtuality Flashcards
why do people get involved in churches and denominations
-part of mainstream conformist life
-socialisation process as they grow up , see and go to churches/temples and mosques as normal part of life
reasons for joining and forming NRMS
-fulfils some need or offers then some reward
-peer pressure , manipulation
- spiritual fulfilment
-wanting to feel empowered
-brainwashed by charismatic leader
-response to secularisation
-sense of belonging
-poverty
-feeling oppressed
-love partner
-going through vulnerable phase e.g bereavement
-don’t force selves into norms and values
-marginalised
wht is social change according to wilson
- many NRMS have emerged due to a response to anxiety
-rapid social change disrupt and undermine traditional norms and values resulting in anomie
-people turn to sects due to uncertainty and insecurity
what is social change according to bruce
-growth of sects and cults due to response of secularisation
-cults are less demanding for some people and require fewer sacrifices
what was the NRMS in the industrial revolution
-methodism
offered a sense of community, clear norms and values e,g no gambling and a sense of fellowship
- this became attractive to the new industrial working class whereas the factory owners continued to follow C OF E
what are other examples of the NRMS in industrial rev
-jehovah’s witnesses (1870)
-mormons (1830)
-christian science(1879)
what weee the examples of NRMS in post WW2
-moonies
-branch davidians
-heavens gate
what was the examples of NRMS during the growth in individualism and focus’s on personal growth and achievement and approach of millennium
(1990-200s)
-new age
-scientology
-shincheonji
what is economic and relative dep
Weber argued that sects are most likely to emerge among marginal groups in society e.g. By the homeless, poor, unemployed, ethnic minorities etc.
Sects appeal to these groups by providing a ‘theodicy of disprivilege’ – a religious explanation for their situation- comfort and security
Stark and Bainbridge – world rejecting NRMs are ‘compensators’ for their situation- need to feel belonging and fulfilment
how is status frustration related to NRMS
-Wallis argues that NRMS are more likely to appeal to younger people who may be frustrated at their lack of status in society( joining NRMS allows them to gain status and belonging)
Barker – suggests that as young people have fewer ties and responsibilities e.g mortgages or jobs then they may have more freedom to get involved
BUT wallis says that it only involves small number of people and many of them only join for brief time during transition of childhood and adulthood
what alternative explanations do post MODS offer for the growth of NRMS
-practical or pragmatic reasons
-secularisation
-identity formation and individual choice
-globalisation
what are the practical or pragmatic reasons for growth of NRMS
Key to success – they help affluent middle class people to unlock their inner selves, focus on success, reduce stress and anxiety. The middle class have the money to pay for the services on offer. (Heelas - New Age)
Escape – help people to escape personal crises in their lives. E.g. Barker found the Moonies offered a substitute family and support.
what is the secularisation reason for the growth in NRMS
-Weber – the modern world is characterised by “disenchantment” – the spiritual, magical and mystical elements have disappeared
Traditional churches have become watered down as a part of this
Therefore they may find more spiritual meaning in the new religious movements (Giddens)
Bruce – the growth of cults and the new age reflects a loss of faith in traditional religions and their leaders
what is identity formation and individual choice and the growth of NRMS
-Postmodernists claim that traditional sources of identity have declined e.g. Class, gender and ethnicity
People now pick and choose their identities e.g. Through buying into cults or new age movements
what is the relation with growth of NRMS and globalisation
-Postmodernists claim that due to globalisation and the global media, people now have access to a range of ideas from around the globe
NRMS are able to communicate with a range of people from all over the world and therefore have a higher profile and greater following e.g. Scientology and Q Anon
