Secularisation Flashcards
How does Parsons define structural differentiation?
Parsons defines it as a process of specialisation that occurs with the development of industrials society. Separate, specialised institutions develop to carry out functions that were previously performed by a single institution. Parsons believes this happened to religion.
How does Parsons believe SD has impacted religion?
Parsons believes SD leads to the disengagement of religion as it’s functions are transferred to other institutions such as the state and it becomes disconnected from wider society. For example, the church has loss the influence it once had over education.
Parsons states that as a result religion has become privatised and now religious beliefs are largely a matter of personal choice.
How does Wilson explain social and cultural diversity as a reason for secularisation?
The move from pre-industrial society brings about the decline of community and this contribute to the decline in religion. Wilson states that in pre-industrial communities shared values were expressed through collective religious rituals that integrate individuals and regulate their behaviour. However, when religion lost its basis in the stable local communities, it lost its vitality and its hold over individuals.
How does Bruce explain social and cultural diversity as a reason for secularisation?
Bruce sees industrialisation as undermining the consensus of religious beliefs that hold small rural communities. Social and geographical mobility breaks up the communities and brings people together from different backgrounds, creating even more diversity. And Bruce sees diversity of occupations, cultures and lifestyles undermining religion.
How does Berger explain religious diversity as a reason for secularisation?
Berger argues that diversity creates a crisis of credibility for religion. Diversity undermines religion’s ‘plausibility structure’ - the reason why people find it believable. When there are options people are likely to question all and this erodes the absolute certainties of traditional religion. Religious beliefs become relative rather than absolute.
