social cation theory religion

Question 1

What is social action theory?

Answer 1

Social action theory’s take a micro approach of society and religion. social action theorists take the view that individuals are shaped by society

Question 2

What is Weber’s view on religion?

Answer 2

Weber is a sociologist who used the interpretivist approach to focus on the role and function of religion for society as a whole and the meanings that individuals attach to religious meanings , beliefs and practises.

Question 3

What was Webers theory on religion?

Answer 3

• Weber identified the origins of capitalism stemming from the Calvinist branch of Protestantism he found that Calvinist believed in
• Pre destination this is the idea that god already decided who is saved and going to the afterlife. These decisions were unknown and created uncertainty but Calvinist would look for signs of gods favour that they were doing good in their day to day lives
• Hard work as a god given duty- this is a way of honouring god
• Ascetic lifestyle- focus on accumulating wealth through minimal spending , if they could work hard and be successful this would indicate their position in Gods afterlife

Question 4

What did Weber find out about the Calvinist religion ?

Answer 4

• Weber found that Calvinism gave individual meaning in their daily life and choices . He also found that this lead to the development of capitalism because

Question 5

Name the social action key thinkers

Answer 5

• Berger- religion provides a universe of meaning

- Weber - Calvinist and the meanings religion gave their lives

Question 6

What is Berger’s view on religion?

Answer 6

• Similarly to weber and Bauman he is interested in how religion helps individuals find meaning. He argues that religion provides a universe of meaning and a scared canopy.
• Universe of meaning refers to religion providing a universe of meaning to make sense of the wold including giving answers to questions such as , death , life , evil , injustice
• Sacred canopy means that religion acts as scared canopy that stretches over society protecting individuals from the uncertain , meaningless and pointless life by helping individuals make sense of the world