Topic 4- religion, renewal and choice

Topic 4- Religion, renewal and choice. In this topic we examine three main alternatives to secularisation theory:

  • Theories of late modernity and postmodernity-these argue that religion is not declining but merely changing as society develops.
  • Religious market theory- the view that secularisation is only one stage of a constant cycle of secularisation, revival and renewal.
  • Existential security theory- the view that religion has declined in richer countries because they are more economically secure.
?
  • Created by: caoimhe
  • Created on: 05-01-13 15:52
What is meant by 'believing without belonging'
Grace Davie argues against secularisation theory. Believing without belonging is where people hold religious beliefs but dont go to church.
1 of 13
What is meant by 'vicarious religion'
A small number of professional clergy practice religion on behalf of a much larger number of people, who experience it at second hand
2 of 13
Give one cirticism of Davies view of beleiving without belonging.
Voas and Crockett do not accept Davies claim that there is more believing than belonging. Evidence shows that both church attendance and belief in God are declining.
3 of 13
What are the two new religious types that Hervieu Leger argues are emerging?
Pilgrims- those who follow an individual path in search for self discovery. And Converts- those who join religious groups that offer a strong sense of belonging, usually based on a shared ethnic background or religious doctrine.
4 of 13
Define Globalisation
Globalisation refers to the growing interconnectedness of societies, which has led to greatly increased movements of ideas and beliefs across national boundaries.
5 of 13
What is religious consumerism?
Religious consumerism is when we act like 'spiritual shoppers', choosing religious beliefs and practices to meet our individual needs.
6 of 13
What two sociologists talk about religious market theory?
Stark and Bainbridge
7 of 13
Define 'Eurocentric'.
It focuses on the decline of religion in Europe and fails to explain its continuing vitality in America and elsewhere.
8 of 13
What two assumptions is religious market theory based on?
People are naturally religious and religion meets human needs, therefore the overall demand for religion is constant and It is human nature to seek rewards and avoid costs, when people make choices, they weigh up the costs and benefits.
9 of 13
Why do Stark and Bainbridge believe that religion thrives in the USA?
There has never been a monopoly there. Where there is a religious monopoly it leads to decline. This is because without competition, a church has no incentive to provide people with what they want.
10 of 13
Identify two criticisms of religious market theory
Bruce rejects the view that diversity and competition increase the demand for religion. Bruce argues that stark and Bainbridge misrepresent secularisation theory.
11 of 13
Suggest one reason why patterns of religiosity in America and Europe are different.
Stark and Bainbridge argue that the main factor infulencing the level of religious participation is not the demand for religion but the supply, participation increases when there is a large supply of religious groups, like in america
12 of 13
What is meant by 'existential security'?
'existential security' is the feeling that survival is secure enough that it can be taken for granted.
13 of 13

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What is meant by 'vicarious religion'

Back

A small number of professional clergy practice religion on behalf of a much larger number of people, who experience it at second hand

Card 3

Front

Give one cirticism of Davies view of beleiving without belonging.

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What are the two new religious types that Hervieu Leger argues are emerging?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Define Globalisation

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Sociology resources:

See all Sociology resources »See all Religion and beliefs resources »