Beliefs in Society - Quick Check Questions

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True or False? Substantive definitions of religion are inclusive.
False they are exclusive and need a belief in God or the supernatural (Max Weber)
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How does Durkheim distinguish between the sacred and the profane?
Durkheim sees sacred things as set apart, special and forbidden; profane things are seen as mundane, everyday and ordinary.
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Explain how religion may perform a cognitive function.
According to Durkheim and Mauss, religion is the original source of categories of thought, such as notions of time and causation.
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Explain what is meant by 'civil religion'.
A belief system that attached sacred qualities to society itself, e.g. faith in the 'American way of life'.
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Identify two criticisms of the functionalist view of religion.
It ignores conflict that religion often produces; it neglects various types of religious oppression.
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According to Marx, what is the main cause of alienation?
A lack of control over means of production.
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Identify one way in which Hinduism may legitimate inequality.
By justifying the caste system, e.g. a person cannot question his or her position, as it is believed to be deserved as a result of good or bad behaviour in a previous life.
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identify three examples of ways in which religions may be patriarchal.
Male-dominated priesthood; segregation of women; taboos about women; male gods and prophets; unequal rights and treatment.
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Give one example of how religion may be empowering for women.
For Muslim women, by using the hijab to enable them to enter the public sphere; in evangelical groups by sharing experiences and finding support g.g. in Bible study groups; by becoming priests e.g. in the Church of England
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What was the Calvinist doctrine of predestination?
Those whom God had chosen to be saved were 'predestined' - even chosen in advance of birth.
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Explain what Weber means by 'this-worldly asceticism'
Living a disciplined, simple, hard-working life in this world (as opposed to other-worldly asceticism in a monastery).
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Why does Weber argue that Calvinists experienced 'salvation panic'?
Because they could not know if they were chosen to be saved.
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According to Weber, why did Hinduism discourage social change?
The orientation of Hindu asceticism was other-worldly, rather than this-worldly.
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what is meant by 'hegemony'?
The way in which the ruling class are able to maintain control over society by ideological means, including religion.
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Identify two ways in which the churches were able to support the black civil rights movement.
They provided moral legitimacy; meeting placed; a source of unity; an organisation for campaigning.
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Suggest one similarity between liberation theology and Marxism
Helping the poor, fighting oppression, promoting change in society.
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Identify three characteristics of millenarian movements.
Predicting the end or the world as it is now, the overthrow of the oppressors, a 'golden age' to come, pre-political movements.
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Why do Marxists see religion as having dual character?
Because religion often preaches liberation, as well as supporting the status quo.
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What percentage of the adult population of Britain attended church on Sundays in 1851?
40%
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What proportion of weddings now take place in church?
30%
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Why did Weber think that the Protestant Reformation led to the 'disenchantment' of the world?
Because of the rise of rationality and the growth of science and technology.
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What term is used to describe a society containing a wide variety of religious groups?
A pluralist society, containing religious diversity.
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What does Berger mean by the 'sacred canopy'?
Where one faith and one set of beliefs covers the whole society and is shared by all - religious monopoly.
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Explain what is meant by 'disengagement'
The influence and functions of religious are transferred to other institutions, such as education and welfare.
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What is meant by the term 'cultural transition'?
Where religion provides support and a sense of community for migrants and minority ethnic groups.
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Explain what is meant by 'secularisation from within'
Traditional Christian beliefs and glorifying God declines and religion is 'psychologised' or turned into a form of therapy. The purpose of religion changes from seeking salvation in heaven to seeking personal improvement in this world.
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Explain what is meant by 'believing without belonging'
Having religious beliefs but not attending church.
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Explain what is meant by 'vicarious religion'
Experiencing religion 'second hand' or at a distance. Attending church for rites of passage but not on a regular basis.
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According to Hervieu-Leger, how do 'pilgrims' differ from 'converts'?
'Pilgrims' focus on their own individual spirituality and development; 'converts' join religious groups for a sense of community and belonging.
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What do Stark and Bainbridge mean by 'compensators'?
Religion provides us with supernatural compensation for things we cannot achieve in this life.
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Suggest two reasons why patterns of religiosity in america and Europe are so different.
There has never been a religious monopoly in America; America has a vest array of religions of offer; there is religious competition on television; religious groups are often very wealthy,
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Suggest two reasons why patterns of religiosity in america and Europe are so different.
Religious adherence in America is more flexible - people change more often from one group to another, adherence to civil religion is required of politicians, American society is more unequal.
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Why do some sociologists criticise secularisation theory as 'Eurocentric'?
It focuses on the decline of religion in Europe, and ignores other societies where religion still thrives.
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Identify two criticisms of religious market theory.
Diversity and supply do not always increase the level of religiosity;some societies have high levels of religious participation despite a monopoly by one church; RMT misrepresents the idea of a religious 'golden age' in the past.
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What is meant by 'existential security'?
The feeling that survival is secure and therefore there is less need for religion to provide reassurance.
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Identify two characteristics of religious fundamentalism.
The strict literal adherence to scripture, tradition , compulsory, unquestioning lifestyle.
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According to Castells, what is the difference between a resistance identity and a project identity.
Resistance identity is the response of those who retreat defensively into fundamentalism; project identity is the response of those who become involved with forward-looking social movements.
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Identify two policies to which the New Christian Right are opposed.
Abortion, gay marriage, gender equality, secular education.
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Give one example of secular fundamentalism
Nationalism, cultural racism.
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According to Huntington, why is a 'clash of civilisations' increasingly likely?
Because of increased contact through globalisation, and the increasing importance of religious identity, following the decline of political differences.
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Suggest two criticisms of the view that there is a 'clash of civilisations'
Hostility is based on political issues rather than religion, it does not take account of divisions within 'civilisations', the theory itself promoted hostility and stereotyping.
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Over what type of values are Western and Muslim societies most likely to disagree?
Values concerning self-expression, such as diversity and gender equality.
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According to Lehmann, what where the two main stages in the globalisation of religion?
Religion spread by colonial conquest, evangelical and fundamentalist religion driven by mass following.
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What is meant by 'Hindu ultra-nationalism'?
Hindu belief that India is superior to other nations because of its Hindu values.
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Explain what is meant by 'theodicy of dispriviledge'
Where religion gives meaning to deprivation and helps people cope with it.
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Identify one similarity and one difference between churches and sects.
Both churches and sects see their interpretations of faith as the only correct one, both have a moral code to which members must adhere, important differences are that sects are usually smaller, less ritual and hierarchy. churches: accepts community
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Suggest two examples of established sects.
Jehovah's witness, Scientology, Quakers, Christadelphians, Plymouth Brethren.
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Explain what is meant by an 'audience cult'.
A cult where there is no formal membership, a person can be part of the cult simply by going to a meeting or exhibition or reading a book.
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Suggest two ways in which the New Age might be linked to modernity.
It reflects an emphasis on consumerism, it is strongest in the most developed parts of the world, it emphasises individualism.
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Suggest two reasons why women might be more religious than men.
Because women are closer to birth and death, are concerned with the socialisation of the young, are controlled by the patriarchal nature of religion, have been less involved with other aspects of life such as political and economic activity.
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How may religion be important for 'cultural transition'?
Religion can provide support and a sense of community for new migrants.
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What does Popper mean by 'falsificationism'?
Where scientists set out to prove a statement wrong.
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What are four CUDOS norms?
Communism, universalism, disinterestedness, organised scepticism - are all norms scientists must adhere when pursuing scientific knowledge.
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In what sense is witchcraft among the Azande a closed belief system?
It cannot be overturned by evidence because the believers accept basic assumptions that cannot be challenged.
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Why does the case of Dr Velikovsky suggest that science is a closed belief system?
Because scientists reacted to his new theory by immediate rejection, rather than testing it via scientific means.
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Explain Mannheim's distinction between 'ideological thought' and 'utopian thought'.
Ideological thought justifies the status quo, utopian thought justifies social change.
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What is false consciousness?
Ways of thinking (of the oppressed) that are the product of ideology (of the ruling class)
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According to Mannheim, why is there a need for 'free-floating intelligentsia?'
Because they would not be attached to any particular interest group and therefore could represent the interests of society as a whole.
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What does Gramsci see as the two sides of workers 'dual consciousness'?
Ruling-class ideology and consciousness arising from exploitation and struggle.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

How does Durkheim distinguish between the sacred and the profane?

Back

Durkheim sees sacred things as set apart, special and forbidden; profane things are seen as mundane, everyday and ordinary.

Card 3

Front

Explain how religion may perform a cognitive function.

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Explain what is meant by 'civil religion'.

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Identify two criticisms of the functionalist view of religion.

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

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