...SCLY 3: Beliefs in Society Revision Guide 2009-10 Name: Remember: You have to revise everything, because essay questions will focus on more than one area of the specification. The specification: The relationship between religious beliefs and social change and stability * Functionalism: conservative force, inhibition of change, collective conscience, Durkheim and totemism, anomie; civil religions * Marxism: religion as ideology, legitimating social inequality, disguising exploitation etc * Weber: religion as a force for social change: theodicies, the Protestant ethic * Neo-Marxism: religion used by those opposing the ruling class, liberation theology * Feminism: religious beliefs supporting patriarchy * Fundamentalist beliefs: rejecting change by reverting to supposed traditional values and practices. Religious organisations, including cults, sects, denominations, churches and New Age movements, and their relationship to religious and spiritual belief and practice * Typologies of religious organisations: churches, denominations, sects and cults, with examples of each New Religious Movements and typologies of NRMs eg world rejecting/accommodating/affirming; millenarian beliefs, with examples of each * New Age movements and spirituality, with examples * The relationship of these organisations to religious and spiritual belief and practice. The relationship between different social groups and religious/spiritual organisations and movements, beliefs...
Words: 23270 - Pages: 94
...explain some of the ways in which religion could be said to ‘exert social control over the members of society’ (June2006) b) Identify and briefly explain some of the ways in which functionalists see religion meeting the needs of society and / or individuals. (June 2007) New syllabus: 12 mark questions a)Using material from item a and elsewhere, briefly examine the extent to which religion can still be said to be functional for individuals and society (June 2002) b) Briefly examine the evidence and or arguments in favour of the view that religion can act as a force for change in society (June 2006) c) Briefly examine post-modernist views on the nature and role of religion (June 2007) NEW SYLLABUS: 40 mark essay questions • Assess the role and functions of religious institutions and movements in contemporary society. (40) Sample A2 paper (Issued May 2000) • Evaluate the view that religion acts as a conservative force in modern society (40) Jun 2001 “The main function of religion is to provide people with a code of behaviour which regulates personal and social life.” Assess the extent to which sociological arguments and evidence support this view of religion in modern society (40) January 2002 Assess and evaluate the relationship between religion and social change. (40) Jan 2003 Assess the view that in most societies, religion functions more to cause conflict than to bring about harmony and consensus. (40) June 2003 ...
Words: 963 - Pages: 4
...Crandall 19 November 2015 The Issues With Individuals In Society Having The Responsibility To Pay For Insurance That Covers The Cost of Contraceptives When It’s Against The Individual’s Personal Or Religious Beliefs Introduction: The term “ethics” can be derived from the Greek term ethos that means habit, custom, disposition or character. Ethics is defined as “a system of moral principals and a branch of philosophy which defines what is good for the individual and society. “ (Ethics, 2014) It is a collection of concepts acquired from philosophies, cultures, and religions. Some of these ethical concepts include the principals of autonomy, beneficence and social justice. Ethics provide a moral pathway in which individuals pick to find their way out of difficult issues. Individuals have many different derived concepts, or moral pathways, controversies that cause ethical dilemmas can become apparent. Such dilemmas can be seen in the health care delivery system of the United States and the policies that are enforced within it. One ethical argument in particular that poses issues and controversy regards society having the responsibility to provide or fund insurance that covers the cost of contraceptives when it is against the individual’s personal or religious beliefs. Ethical Dilemma/ Policy Issue: The term “conscientious objection” is the refusal to perform a legal role or responsibility because of personal beliefs. Conscientious objection in health care means that some...
Words: 2976 - Pages: 12
...Disneyland’ are two other ways in which religion is taking on a different relationship within society today. However, other theorists argue that the belief in religion is in fact declining in society, as illustrated by structural differentiation. Weber and disenchantment also support this idea, as well as Functionalists who state that religion involved belonging as well as believing. Firstly, Davie argues that today’s society is trending toward ‘vicarious religion’, where a small number of professional clergy practice religion on behalf of a much larger number of people, who experience it second hand. Even though church attendance may be declining, religious belief is still strong as many people still use the church for rites of passage (e.g. a wedding or a christening). Bibby found that 25% of Canadians attended church regularly, yet 80% of people said they held religious beliefs. Indicating that less people feel obligated to attend church and obey traditional religious teachings, they are able to still have faith in religion but within their private sphere of the home. Similarly, Davie states that this shows a much wider commitment to religion – such as the wide spread church attendance and praying following Princess Diana’s death. However, Bruce criticises Davies view. He states that if people are not willing to invest time in going to church, it reflects the declining strength of their beliefs – leading to the diminishing of religion as people...
Words: 1368 - Pages: 6
...JOSEPH ABBOUD M- 0420 983 952, H- 02 9633 9538, jga_c17@hotmail.com Summary * 12 years professional experience in the Aquatic and Surf Life Saving industry and am currently looking for a slight career change, in Business Administration, Sales and Marketing. * Extensive experience as Swim school Coordinator / Squad Coach / Learn to Swim Instructor/ Life Guard in Aquatic Education and Surf Life saving industry. * Management experience- Currently coordinating a Swim School with 35 employees. * Key transferrable skills; excellent communication skills, strong stakeholder management, problem solving skills, excellent time management relationship building skills and of course my outstanding customer service/ admin skills. * Eager to combine my extensive knowledge and experience within sports administration along with my passion to work hard, make a positive difference and a significant contribution to your organization Education / Qualifications * Bachelor of Business Management - Swinburne Online University 2014- Present (Studying via Correspondence) * Certificate IV in Training and Assessment * Certificate IV in Community Recreation * High School Certificate Year 12 (Parramatta Marist High) * Year 10 School Certificate (Parramatta Marist High) Certifications * Certificate II in Public Safety (Surf Life Saving Australia) * Certificate II in Public Safety * Senior First Aid Certificate * Aust Swim; Teacher...
Words: 883 - Pages: 4
...well known era in Western society. The Enlightenment was a study conducted by the philosopher Immanuel Kant in 1784. Kant's essay addressed the causes of a lack of enlightenment and the conditions that were necessary to make it possible for people to enlighten themselves. Kant held it necessary that all church and state to be abolished and people be given the freedom to use their own intellect. Hobbesian social control theory was a ideological invention that came about during the pre 1750s. The social control theory is a view that a person’s moral and political obligations are dependent upon a ‘contract’ or an agreement among that to form a society in which they live in. However, social contract theory is rightly associated with modern moral and political theory and is given its first full exposition and defence by Thomas Hobbes. After Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau are the best known proponents of this enormously influential theory, which has been one of the most dominant theories within moral and political theory throughout the history of the modern West. More recently, philosophers from different perspectives have offered new criticisms of social contract theory. In particular, feminist’s philosophers have argued that the social control theory is an incomplete picture of people’s moral and political lives and may camouflage some on the ways that people live and their classes. Hobbes manages to create an argument that makes civil society. Naturalism is a theory...
Words: 685 - Pages: 3
...Blue 3 Individualism has clashed with the demands of the society for many years. There has not been such a thing as peace between personal and societal beliefs in the world yet. This crisis is an inevitable problem that will never be resolved until man does not walk the earth. In Timothy Kudo’s article, that is found on the Washington Post, he explains his views on war and how they differ from the society. As a soldier fighting at war, he sees killing as a very immoral action to carry out, but still very necessary at certain times. Still this fact does not give him any relief from the stress that has come from thinking about the people he has killed. The people whose lives have been cut short because of his actions. Now the exact opposite from his beliefs is what the society asks of from him. People expect him to come...
Words: 1362 - Pages: 6
...“Evaluate the view that religion is an important source of moral values in contemporary societies” The debate as to whether religion is a vital source of moral values in contemporary society is continuous. Sociologists aim to know and understand exactly how and if religion plays any role in current society. This leads us to ask what exactly religion is. According to sociologists, there are three main ways of defining religion: substantive, functional and social constructionist. Max Weber (1905) describes substantive religion as a belief in a superior or supernatural power that is above nature and cannot be explained scientifically. Substantive definitions are exclusive – they draw a clear line between religious and non-religious beliefs. To be a religion, a set of beliefs must include beliefs in God or the supernatural. Functional definitions, however, are inclusive – allowing sociologists to include a wide range of beliefs and practices. Emile Durkheim (1915) defines it in terms of contribution it makes to social integration rather than specific belief in a higher being. Milton Yinger (1970) identifies functions that religion performs for individuals, such as answering ‘ultimate questions’. Whereas, the final definition is social constructionist takes an interpretivist approach focusing how religion is defined by the individual. This definition believes that it is impossible to produce a single universal definition of religion to cover all cases since in reality different individuals...
Words: 5435 - Pages: 22
...Assess the view that religious beliefs and practices are changing to reflect a new era of diversity and choice. (33 marks) Some sociologists reject the secularisations theory, they are beginning to say that instead of religion declining, it is changing, in terms of changing to reflect a new era of diversity and choice. Sociologists such as Davie argue that religion isn't declining but the need to publicise it is reducing, religion is taking a more privatised form. This can explain the decline in churchgoers; they no longer feel like they have to go to church to be religious, now attending church is a matter of choice rather than society frowning upon those who chose not to go. This has brought around ‘believing without belonging’, thus the decline of traditional religion is matched by the growth of a new form of it. Proving that modern society is not becoming increasing secular but forming new religions through choice and diversity. However, Voas and Crockett reject the claims Davie puts forward, explaining that if her thesis was to be true the British Social Attitudes survey from 1983 to 200 would show that belief in God is increasing, although it shows that not only is church attendance declining but also peoples belief in God. If Davie were right with new religions forming the surveys would've shown higher levels of belief. Bruce also interjects the view that if those who are religious are not willing to invest time into attending church, this must reflect the declining...
Words: 1127 - Pages: 5
...traditional society. The Hijras are a transgender social group who are located amongst southern and mid-eastern Asia. They are a group of males who portray themselves as females in society and survive by engaging in begging and prostitution. They are also considered performers for special occasions in different societies. This group focuses on beliefs that are different from the beliefs of many other India cultures. Gender does not play a big role in their culture because they believe that there is no such thing as man or woman. Religion plays a major role in the construction of the Hijras, and it is one of the main reasons they still play a role in South Asian society. Even though they are looked down up on through out society, the Hijras are just one of many marginal groups in society that have unique social roles, and play a part in tradition society. The Hijras acceptance with their feminine side makes them stand out from the rest of the social groups. The ancestors of past generations offered unique beliefs that set up the modern societies for the Hijras belief. The concept of making their ancestors proud carried on through our generations and it one of their religious beliefs. It was nothing but tradition that led the Hijras to making the decisions they did, and decisions that changed their views up on society. This was just a prime example of following tradition and sticking to the beliefs of their ancestors. Religion was one of the things that led them to their beliefs of gender...
Words: 1653 - Pages: 7
...sociologists define religion Substantive, functional and social constructionists SUBSTANTIVE- focus on the content of religious belief such as belief in God or the supernatural (MAX WEBBER) defines religion as belief in the superior or supernatural power that is above nature and cannot be explained scientifically. Advantage- conform to a widespread views of religion as belief in God Disadvantage- defining religion in this way leaves no room for beliefs and practices. FUNCTIONAL- define in terms of the social or psychological functions it performs for individuals or society. (EMILE DURKHEIM) defines religion in terms of the contribution it makes to social integration, rather than any specific belief in God or the supernatural. An advantage of functional definitions are that they yare INCLUSIVE allowing us to include a wide range of beliefs and practices A disadvantage of functional definitions just because an institution helps integrate individuals into a group it doesn’t make it a religion. SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIONIST- take an interpretivist approach that focuses on how members of society themselves define religion, argue that its not possible to produce a single universal definition to cover all cases since in reality different individuals and groups mean very different things by ‘religion’ FUNCTIONALIST THEORIES OF RELIGION Functionalists see society as a system of interrelated parts or social institutions such as religion, the family and the economy. Each institution performs...
Words: 1206 - Pages: 5
...religion: | Religious organisationsTypologies | Religious organisationsWhy people join. | Religious organisationsdevelopment | NAMs/NRMs | Religion in global context:Secularisation | Religion in a global contextFundamentalism- | Religion and social Change | Religion as source of conflict or consensus | Religiosity: Class | Religiosity: Age | Religiosity: Gender | Religiosity: Ethnicity | Belief Systems: Religion | Belief Systems: Science: | Belief Systems: ideology | Jun12 | Religion is still the most significant ideological influence in the world today. ’To what extent do sociological arguments and evidence support this view? (33 marks) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Critically examine sociological views of sects in society today. (33 marks) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Using material from Item A and elsewhere, assess the view that women are no longer oppressed by religion. (18 marks) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Jan 12 | The growth of New Age and similar movements is evidence of a spiritual revolution in society today.’ To what extent do sociological arguments and evidence support this view? (33 marks) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Assess the usefulness of functionalist theories in understanding religion today.(33 marks) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Using material from Item A and elsewhere, assess the view that most people today choose not...
Words: 827 - Pages: 4
...Religions of Ancient Origin 22 indicative hours The focus of this study is the response of religions of ancient origin to the human search for ultimate meaning and purpose. The five religious traditions of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism are NOT to be studied. Syllabus Outcomes: P1 describes the main characteristics of religion and belief systems P2 identifies the influence of religion and belief systems on individuals and society P6 selects and uses relevant information about religion from a variety of sources P7 undertakes effective research about religion, making appropriate use of time and resources P8 uses appropriate terminology related to religion and belief systems P9 effectively communicates information, ideas and issues using appropriate written, oral and graphic forms Content: Students are to select TWO religions of ancient origin to study from the following: - Aztec or Inca or Mayan - Celtic - Nordic - Shinto - Taoism - an Indigenous religion from outside Australia |Students learn about: |Students learn to: | ...
Words: 1624 - Pages: 7
...Assess the nature and extent of secularisation in society today. (33 marks) In today’s society there are sociological arguments that say society is becoming more and more secular. A secular society is where religious beliefs and values have lost influence and importance in society. Some seem to think that this has happened in Britain. There is much evidence for this for example statistics show that there has been a decline in the proportion of the population going to church. There has also been an increase in the average age of churchgoers, fewer church weddings and baptisms, a decline in the numbers holding traditional Christian beliefs and greater religious diversity. Wilson has argued that Western societies had been undergoing a long term process of secularisation. Sociologists put forward different explanations of these trends and have reached different conclusions. A common theme that is put forward to explain the recent patterns that secularisation is taking place is modernisation. Weber comes up with the theory of rationalisation and the fact that rational ways of thinking and acting have come to replace religious ones. He argues that the protestant reformation started the process of rationalisation of life whereby rational scientific outlook found in modern society has undermined religious worldview. He says that this has contributed to the decrease in influence if religious beliefs in society today. He also argues that disenchantment of religion has taken place with...
Words: 1468 - Pages: 6
...Galileo- from the perspective of Science, Technology and Society The intertwining of Science and society complies with the double-helical DNA structure which defines the complexity and simplicity of the relation between them. Where scientific discoveries set the path for paradigm shifts and drastic changes in which the society functions, they also raise questions to the existing norms of the society during the inception of these theories. The centuries-long debate of Science being the basis of societal formation or societal needs leading to genesis of new ways of living has not found an answer yet. While some discoveries conform to the existing belief system of the world, some developments cause major uproar and leave a mark on the timeline of evolution setting a before and after of human existence. It is these discoveries which brush the dust off the antediluvian school of thought and bring about paradigm shifts in the system with a fresh way of thinking and living. Life of Galileo by Bertolt Bretch is a play which describes a similar situation and revolves around the time when Galileo popped the idea of a heliocentric universe to the world causing widespread uproar. Galileo was a man of realistic thoughts who believed logic runs the world. While explaining the Copernican theory to his house boy, Andrea, Galileo encourages him to breathe logic and not comply with the existing beliefs that are prevalent in the society. Mrs. Sarti, his house maid, discourages Galileo to “fill...
Words: 1051 - Pages: 5
