The relationship between different social groups and religious organisations, movements, beliefs and practices Flashcards
SOCIAL CLASS
Different social classes are likely to be attracted by different organisations and ideas- lower classes towards world rejecting sects and higher classes towards world accepting churches and NRMs/NAMs
Why do sects appeal to lower social classes?
The lower class experience the most social marginalisation, relative deprivation and social dislocation.
Social Marginalisation
According to Weber, those on the margins of society are most likely to turn to sects. (poor and ethnic minority)
Many feel they have been denied the occupational status, prestige and income they deserve. Sect members can address this with a ‘theory of disprivilege’ which promises them a ‘sense of honour’ in either this life or the next.
Relative Deprivation
Sects offer a religious solution to relative deprivation- when an individual feels they are unfairly worse off relative to those around them. As one of the chosen few, sect members are no longer deprived. Following the strict code of behaviour laid down by the sect, and provided with the support of fellow members, people may gain self respect and a sense of community. The self discipline demanded by a sect may also improve their material status.
Social change and dislocation
Sects tend to emerge during periods of rapid social change, which may lead to an uprooted feeling (social dislocation). This results in anomie, where traditional norms for action are no longer in place. Sects with clearly defined belief systems can provide certainty at a time of anomie.
Black Muslims of America
The Black Muslims of America formed as a result of racial segregation. Their objective was to recruit ‘the Negro in the mud’. They rejected wider society- prophesised that all other religions would be destroyed, and that Whites were inferior and evil.
The People’s Temple
The People’s Temple offered equality and acceptance (which appealed to elderly and minorities), it had no relative deprivation (as everybody was given everything they needed) and it provided a sense of duty during the Civil Rights Movement- without having to join the Vietnam war.
However, Jehovah’s witnesses challenge this view
Beckford’s study of Jehovah’s Witnesses found that most members were actually upper class , challenging the view that sects appeal mostly to lower classes
GENDER
There are clear gender differences in religious belief and participation. Whilst the priesthoods of most religions are male, more women than men participate in religious activities and believe in God, sin, evil and life after death. Miller and Hoffman argue women express greater interest in religion and attend church more. Bruce estimates that there are twice as many women as men involved in sects.
SOCIALISATION AND GENDER ROLES
Miller and Hoffman
According to Miller and Hoffman, women are more religious because they are socialised to be more passive, obedient and caring. These are qualities valued by most religions , so it follows that women are more likely than men to be attracted to religion. Interestingly, women who have these qualities, are also more likely to be religious.
