Social Groups Flashcards
Item G
In today’s secular Western Societies such as Britain, traditional religion still remains an important source of identity and belonging for some people. For many, religious socialisation into the faith of their parents has formed an important part of their upbringing. Traditional religion may also appeal to some because it celebrates their role. For others, New Age spirituality may have particular appeal because it allows them to deal with role conflicts that arise in Modern societies and choose an authentic
identity for themselves. Applying material from
Item G, analyse two reasons for differences in religiosity between social. groups [10 marks]
One reason for differences in religiosity is due to religion
being ‘an important source of identity and belonging for some
people’ (Item G). This is particularly important in events of
increased migration. Bruce argues that religion offers support
and a sense of cultural identity in an uncertain, new or hostile
environment. This suggests that religion among minorities can
be a basis for community solidarity. This means that religion
can help preserve culture and language. Furthermore, religion
can act as a way of coping with oppression in a racist society.
This leads to the creation of new religious institutions such as
Churches that cater for specific languages and nationalities as
a result of immigration. This implies that religiosity is higher
among first-generation immigrants as they require more
support in a new, uncertain environment to help them protect
their identity and transition. Even so, critics would argue that
once the transition has been made into society, religion may
lose its role and decline in performance.
Another reason for differences in religiosity is due to gender
differences. This is because ‘traditional religion [appeals] to
some because it celebrates their role’ (Item G), particularly
gendered roles. Miller and Hoffman believe that women have
higher levels of religiosity due to their gendered roles. This
means that women are more likely than men to work in part-
time employment or be full-time carers. This implies that
women have more time to participate in religious activities,
thus causing higher levels of religiosity. In addition, women are
more attracted to religion as their source of gender identity.
This is because their role of caring for others involves
responsibility for their ‘ultimate’ welfare as well as their
everyday needs. As a result, this increases women’s religiosity.
However, many women have begun to reject their traditional
roles due to the subordination associated with it. This has led
to a decline in traditional religion and thus a decline in
religiosity.
Outline and explain two reasons why people from some ethnic minority groups seem to participate more in religious activity than other social groups [10 marks]
One reason for higher religious participation among ethnic
groups is due to cultural defence. This is important in
increased movements of migration. Bruce argues that religion
in such situations can offer support and a sense of cultural
identity in an uncertain or hostile environment. This suggests
that religion can be a basis for community solidarity and can
help preserve one’s culture and language. Furthermore,
religion can provide emotional support in the midst of racism
and intolerance from mainstream society. This is demonstrated
in the growth of Pentecostal churches in the UK. This helped
African and Caribbean migrants to feel welcome in a new
society where support is not being given. Therefore, religion is
higher among ethnic minorities to help them cope with harsh
new environments caused by migration.
Another reason for higher religious participations among
ethnic groups is due to cultural transition. Religion can help
ethnic minorities to transition into new societies. This is
supported by Pryce’s study of the African Caribbean
community in Bristol who followed Pentecostalism; Pryce
argues that Pentecostalism is a highly adaptive ‘religion of the
oppressed’. This means that these migrants were provided with
particular values that are relevant to their new society. This
suggests that Pentecostalism helped this community develop a
‘Protestant work ethic’. As a result, it helped them to adapt to
British society by instilling self-reliance and thrift.
Consequently, it gave the African Caribbean community
mutual support and hope and helped them to transition
effectively. This implies that religion provides a common-
ground and helps certain ethnicities blend into society.
Therefore, religion is higher among ethnic groups to help them
assimilate into society.
Item I Minority ethnic groups often arrive in the United Kingdom with a different culture from that of the host society. Also, members of minority ethnic groups often face racism in their everyday lives. Applying material from Item I, analyse two reasons why minority ethnic groups in the United Kingdom are often more religious than the majority of the population 110 marks]
One reason for higher religious participation among ethnic
groups is due to cultural defence. This is important in
increased movements of migration. Bruce argues that religion
in such situations can offer support and a sense of cultural
identity in an uncertain or hostile environment. This suggests
that religion can be a basis for community solidarity and can
help preserve one’s culture and language. Furthermore,
religion can provide emotional support as members of
minority ethnic groups often face racism’ (Item A) and
intolerance from mainstream society. This is demonstrated in
the growth of Pentecostal churches in the UK. This helped
African and Caribbean migrants to feel welcome in a new
society where support is not being given. Therefore, religion is
higher among ethnic minorities to help them cope with harsh
new environments caused by migration. However, once these
groups are assimilated into their new society, their levels of
religiosity may decrease. This is particularly true for second
generation ethnic minorities.
Another reason for higher religious participations among
ethnic groups is due to cultural transition. Religion can help
ethnic minorities to transition to ‘a different culture from
that’ (Item A) of their country. This is supported by Pryce’s
study of the African Caribbean community in Bristol who
followed Pentecostalism; Pryce argues that Pentecostalism is a
highly adaptive ‘religion of the oppressed’. This means that
these migrants were provided with particular values that are
relevant to their new society. This suggests that Pentecostalism
helped this community develop a ‘Protestant work ethic’. As a
result, it helped them to adapt to British society by instilling
self-reliance and thrift. Consequently, it gave the African
Caribbean community mutual support and hope and helped
them to transition effectively. This implies that religion
provides a common-ground and helps certain ethnicities blend
into society. Therefore, religiosity is higher among ethnic
groups to help them assimilate into society. But, critics would
argue that this doesn’t necessarily mean that ethnic minorities
are more religious, particularly as religious institutions such as
churches are seen as a community hub and a service provider
rather than a place to purely pray.
