Many sociologists reject the secularisation thesis of religion declining in modern society. Instead, they examine and explain that religion is rather changing instead of declining. This is because changes in religion are the result of changes in society such as greater individualism, consumerism and a shift from modern to post-modern society.
Davie (Vicarious Religion, Believing without Belonging) - Grace Davie argued against secularization. She believed that religion is not declining but simply taking a more privatised form. People no longer attend church because they feel they have to or that it is respectful to do so. She accepts that church attendance has declined but it is a matter of personal choice rather than the obligation it use to be.
She notes a trend towards vicarious religion where a small number of professional clergy practice religion on behalf of the rest of society. This pattern is typical in Britain and Northern Europe. For example, even though there are low levels of attendance, there are still a large proportion of people using churches for rites of passage- which are rituals that mark a change of status such as weddings, baptisms and funerals.
Another example is Reginald Bibby’s Canadian survey which found that only 25% of them attended church on a regular basis. However 80% agreed that they had religious beliefs.
(Davie) (Bibby) (Canadian Survey)
Davie is however criticized by Voas and Crocket who argue that there isn’t more believing than belonging. British Social Attitude Survey’s from 1983-2000 show that both church attendance and a belief in God are declining. (Voas and Crocket)
Leger (Spiritual Shopping)- She pointed out how in our postmodern society, we are spiritually shopping. This means we are consumers of religion where we pick and mix our own hybrid versions of reality possibly from many different religions. This is also caused by cultural amnesia, the passing down of religious ways generation to generation. We are now able to construct our own spiritual identity or metanarrative of the world.
Lyotard (Death of Metanarratives)- He explained how the death of metanarratives has occurred in post-modern society. This means that people don’t believe everything they are thought from religions who claim to be able to explain everything. Instead they take pieces from many diverse religions and institutions to form their own beliefs.
Stark and Brainbridge(Religious Market Theory) - They explain that religious institutions are like companies selling goods in a market. They criticize the secularisation theory because the US is apparently still strong in religion. They argue that there was no golden age of religion in the past and you can’t predict the end point of religion where everyone will become an atheist. To them:
People are naturally religious because human needs are met.
human nature to seek rewards and avoid costs which is provided through religious ideologies.
Norris and Inglehart (Existential Security Theory) – They reject Stark and Bainbridges religious market theory. They claim religion is more important in society’s that are less stable and secure. Thus religious demand is at its greatest from low income families and poorer societies. The more affluent society’s no longer have to depend on religious institutions as much.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Poorer Societies- More likely religious because of the instability and insecurity in society.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Richer Societies- More likely to be less religious because they are more stable and secure so religion is of less importance.
No comments:
Post a Comment