Religion & Social Groups

Question 1

Name 4 reasons why women are morereligious than men.

Answer 1

Any four from: -
(i) Socialisation
(ii) Nurturing & Motherhood
(iii) Closer to Ultimate Questions
(iv) Life Expectancy
(v) Compensation for Deprivation

Question 2

How would Liberal Feminists challenge the view that women are more religious than men?

Answer 2

Any one from: -
(i) The changing position of women challenges the expressive/motherhood role - breaking through the glass ceiling e.g. more females in managerial roles.
(ii) The changing position of women suggests that women may not be as poor/socially deprived as much as they used to be, as they are now more financially independent - earning more than past generations.

Question 3

How does religious socialisation explainwhy some ethnic minorities remainreligious?

Answer 3

Much tighter knit/stronger extended family structures in Asian communities, may result in pressure to conform to religious values and behaviour.
Modood et al. (1994) found that religion was important in the lives of ethnic minority communities as a source of socialisation, and as a means of maintaining traditional morality, such as conceptions of mutual responsibility, trust, and right and wrong.

Question 4

Use one real life example of a religion to illustrate how it can be used by some African-Caribbeans as a form of cultural defence.

Answer 4

Any one from: -
(i) Pentecostalism - many African-Caribbeans found that White British churches in the UK did not actively welcome them and some turned to founding or joining black-led churches, especially Pentecostal churches.
(ii) Rastafarianism - Pryce found that Rastafarianism represented a different response for some African-Caribbeans radically rejecting the wider society as racist and exploitative, as opposed to those who join Pentecostal churches.

Question 5

According to Bruce, how does religion ease the transition for some ethnic minority groups into a new culture? Give one example of a real life religion.

Answer 5

Bruce - by providing support and a sense of community support for minority groups in their new environment. Pryce argues that Pentecostalism allowed African-Caribbeans to adapt to British society, playing a ‘Protestant ethic’ role in helping its members succeed by encouraging self-reliance and thrift. It gave people mutual support and hope of improving their situation.

Question 6

Name 3 reasons why the elderlyaremorereligious than any other age groups.

Answer 6

(i) Disengagement
(ii) Religious Socialisation (generational effect)
(iii) Ill-health & death (the ageing effect)

Question 7

According to Bruce, why do some older people have a weak religion?

Answer 7

During their life course, the middle-aged may lose sight and ignore their religiosity, but turn back to it when they are older. They have not sustained a full commitment to religious beliefs and practices throughout their life.

Question 8

According to Marxists, why do older people turn to religion?

Answer 8

Older people turn to religion when they need comfort, which provides a diversion from their ill-health. Religion acting as an opiate may comfort them going through physical pain. Promises of the afterlife will distract them from pain, especially as they come closer to death.

Question 9

Name 3 other reasons why youngerpeople are less religious.

Answer 9

(i) Unattractive to the young.
(ii) Expanding spiritual marketplace.
(iii) Declining religious education.
(iv) Pragmatic reasons.

Question 10

Define ‘Christocentric’ and explain how this could be used as criticism against the view that younger people are less religious.

Answer 10

Christocentric – this does not reflect the experiences of ethnic-minority young people in Britain who tend to be more religious. This can’t be generalised to Christianity globally. Pentecostal churches continue to attract younger members e.g. Nick Jonas wore a purity ring as a symbol of his Christian faith and commitment to ‘no sex before marriage.’