Religious Participation - Ethnic Minority Flashcards
What does the word ethnicity refer to?
The shared culture of a social group that gives its members a common identity thats in some way different from other groups
Whats a minority ethnic group?
Social group that shares a cultural identity that different from majority e.g Indian
What is meant by religious pluralism?
Diversity of religious faiths
What minorities are most likely to see religion as important?
Muslims,Hindus and Black Christians
Has there been an increase or decrease in the number of Asian participance in religion?
-increase e.g more mosque being built and number of men visiting increasing
What are the reasons for ethnic differences in belief and participation? ( First two)
1)Economic and Social Deprivation - Least religious are most likely to be in higher class meaning minorities tend to be economically deprived. Denominations and sects may attract poor people due to justification etc
2) Cultural Transition - Means of coping with the stresses of migration and easing migrants into new culture
- Bruce argues religion has provided focal point for irish muslims etc in the UK through building temples and mosques reinforcing solidarity
What are the reasons for ethnic differences in belief and participation? (3&4)
3) Cultural Defence - Religion helps to support and preserve identity, culture and language in sometimes hostile environments e.g African Carribbeans were mainly christian on arrival but found that white churches didnt accept them so responded by either going black led churches or founding there own
4) Conformity to religious controls - Davie notes high levels of religious beliefs among minorities is a reflection go conformity to religious controls. Ethnic minority religions exercise strict control over many aspects e.g marriage &role of women
However conformity to religious controls can cause
- Conflict between cultures
- Conflict between generations
What are the reasons for ethnic differences in belief and participation? (paths)
Three possible paths? Three paths have been identified for immigrants and their descendants in terms of religion
1) secularisation - Beliefs are abandoned, likely to be more popular among upper class
2) Accommodation - Minorities continue to believe and practice but adapt practices e.g dress code to fit with majority
3) Renewed Vigour - Religion is asserted more strongly especially in fundamentalist way as a response to perceived hostility - evidence of involvement in islamic identity since attacks such as 9/11
Reasons for rise in islamisation of young people?
- used as a prime marker of identity in what they view as a racist islamophobic state
- The british military attack on Iraq is alienating young muslims from british society
- Negative media reports of Islam in the uk has led to stigmatism among muslims
- Muslims are reined of their difference from British whites which reinforces their identity
