Secularisation Flashcards
Weber; exclusive definition
Narrow definition of what constitutes ‘religion’
Durkheim; inclusive definition
Much broader possibly including political movements and value systems like humanism, neither of which would be seen as religious by more exclusivist approaches
Decline of religious practice
Strongest evidence comes from church attendance statistics, attendance to religious ceremonies have dramatically fallen. Wilson sees a decline in church marriages. However, Interpretivist sociologists suggest these statistics should be treated with caution because previous century statistics may not be reliable
Bellah
Argues that people who attend church are not necessarily practising religious belief and those who do believe may not see the need to attend
Disengagement
Wilson argues the church is no longer involved in important areas of social life such as politics. People are more likely to take moral direction from the mass medica than the church. However, religion is still a major provider of education and welfare for the poor.
Disenchantment
‘Squeezed out magical and religious ways of thinking’, enables science to thrive and undermines religious world views of events.
However, people’s belief in science relies on irrational faith, scientists have been given a high priest status
Technological and scientific worldview
A technological worldview has replaced the super-natural, we look for scientific explanations.
However, religious explanations thrive in areas scientific fail.
Disneyfication Postmodernism
Human life has been diminished by trivialising it, religion is forced to market itself by packaging as a commodity like mickey mouse.
However, growth of religious media is evidence against secularisation
Secularisation from within
Emphasis on traditional beliefs has declined, religion has been branded as a form of therapy, religion has become less religious to remain popular.
However, ignored growth of conservative protestantism
Decline of metanarratives the rise of spiritual shopping
People are now less willing to be told what to believe by religious authority, religion is no longer passed down through generations, traditional power of the church has been undermined.
However, religion itself has not disappeared, still has influence on people’s values today
Resacrilisation; Heelas
People are shifting to more individualistic beliefs, religion is simply being reorientated, it is now tailored to work for people practicing.
However fewer than on in fifty people in and around the area of research were engaged in ‘new age’ activities. Fewer than half saw them as religious activities.
Believing without belonging; Davie
Religion is simply taking a privatised form, attendance is no longer an obligation.
However, statistics show there has been a continual decline in both attendance and belief.
Growth of fundamentalism; Almon et al
Growth on fundamentalism among groups, members are more likely to attend church and strongly support traditional values.
However, they have failed to be successful in influencing morality.
Existential security theory; Norris + Inglehart
Religion demand varies among societies, low income groups still have strong faith, most of the world is becoming more religious.
However, they only use quantitative data about income levels, ignores positive reasons people have for religious participation.
Cultural defence and transition; Bruce
Religion provides a focal point for the defence of national, ethnic, local or group identity in a struggle against an external force such as a hostile foreign power.
However religion survives in such situations only because it is a focus for group identity.
