Structural differentiation
- Created by: Emily Uffindell
- Created on: 13-09-14 09:41
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- Parsons: Structural differentiation
- Definition: A process of specialisation that occurs with the development of industrial society.
- Separate, specialised institutions develop to carry out functions previously performed by a single institution (The Church).
- Even when religion continues to perform functions such as education or social welfare, it must conform to demands of the secular state.
- Example: teachers in faith schools must hold qualifications that are recognised by the state.
- Religion was dominate in pre-industrial society, but with industrialisation it has become a smaller and more specialised institution.
- Leads to the "disengagement of religion." (it's functions are transferred to other institutions such as the state and it becomes disconnected from wider society.)
- Example: the church loses the influence it once had on education, social welfare and the law.
- Bruce: Religion has become separated from wider society and lost many of its former functions.
- It's become "privatised." (Confined to the private sphere of the home and family.)
- Church and state tend to be separate in modern society.
- Modern states increasingly accept that the state should not be identified with one particular faith.
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