Subjects

Careers

Open the App

Subjects

AQA Sociology A Level - Religion: Postmodernism, Beliefs, and Secularisation

Open

14

0

user profile picture

Maisie Wood

11/05/2023

Sociology

AQA Sociology A Level - Religion, Renewal and Change

AQA Sociology A Level - Religion: Postmodernism, Beliefs, and Secularisation

A comprehensive exploration of postmodern perspectives on religion and religious market theory, examining how religious practices and beliefs are evolving rather than declining in contemporary society. The analysis covers key concepts including Postmodernism religion Sociology, Religious market theory, and Vicarious religion Sociology.

• The document challenges traditional secularisation theory by presenting alternative viewpoints on religious change
• Key focus on Grace Davie's concept of believing without belonging Sociology and the privatisation of religious practice
• Examination of modern religious engagement through digital platforms and personal choice
• Analysis of religious market dynamics and the emergence of individualized spiritual practices
• Discussion of re-enchantment theory and the growth of alternative religious expressions

...

11/05/2023

1137

LESSON 13
POSTMODERNITY and RELIGIOUS MARKET THEORY
We are looking at critics arguing against the idea of secularisation theory's view that

View

Page 2: Spiritual Shopping and Religious Transformation

This page explores the concept of "spiritual shopping" and the individualization of religious belief in postmodern society.

Danièle Hervieu-Léger's theory of religious transformation emphasizes:

  1. A decline in institutional religion partly due to "cultural amnesia" - the loss of religious traditions passed down through generations.
  2. The undermining of traditional church authority due to trends toward social equality.
  3. The development of personalized "DIY" beliefs that align with individual interests and aspirations.

Vocabulary: Cultural amnesia refers to the loss of religious knowledge and traditions that were previously passed down through generations.

Hervieu-Léger argues that while traditional collective worship has declined, religion itself has not disappeared. Instead, it has been transformed by individual consumerism, leading to the concept of "spiritual shopping."

Definition: Spiritual shopping refers to the tendency of individuals to selectively choose religious or spiritual beliefs and practices from various traditions, creating personalized belief systems.

This individualization of religion has resulted in two new types of religious engagement:

  1. Pilgrims: Those who follow an individual path of self-discovery, often through New Age groups or personal therapy.
  2. Converts: Individuals who join religious groups offering a strong sense of belonging and community, such as evangelical movements.

Highlight: While religion may no longer serve as the primary source of collective identity, it continues to influence societal values and can be a source of cultural identity and social solidarity.

Example: Values such as equality and human rights, which have roots in religious traditions, can provide a sense of shared cultural identity even for those not actively religious.

The page concludes by noting the decline of traditional structures like the Church in modern society and the rise of individualism in religious expression and belief.

LESSON 13
POSTMODERNITY and RELIGIOUS MARKET THEORY
We are looking at critics arguing against the idea of secularisation theory's view that

View

Page 2: The Privatisation of Religious Practice

This section examines the transformation of religious engagement into a more individualized experience, highlighting the emergence of personal spiritual journeys and consumer-like approaches to faith.

Definition: Pick and mix religion Sociology describes how individuals now create personalized belief systems that align with their interests and aspirations.

Highlight: The shift from collective worship to individual consumerism in religious practice represents a fundamental change in how people engage with faith.

Example: Two distinct types of modern religious practitioners have emerged:

  • Pilgrims: Those seeking self-discovery through New Age movements
  • Converts: Individuals joining evangelical movements for community belonging
LESSON 13
POSTMODERNITY and RELIGIOUS MARKET THEORY
We are looking at critics arguing against the idea of secularisation theory's view that

View

Page 3: Digital Religion and Modern Expression

This section explores how technology has transformed religious practice and expression in the postmodern era.

Definition: The distinction between "religion online" and "online religion" represents different approaches to digital religious engagement:

  • Religion online: Traditional top-down communication from religious organizations
  • Online religion: Interactive, community-based religious expression existing purely in digital space

Highlight: Lyon's concept of re-enchantment suggests a growth in unconventional beliefs rather than religious decline.

Example: Televangelism exemplifies how people can express religious beliefs without physical church attendance.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average app rating

20 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 17 countries

950 K+

Students have uploaded notes

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.

 

Sociology

1,137

11 May 2023

4 pages

AQA Sociology A Level - Religion: Postmodernism, Beliefs, and Secularisation

user profile picture

Maisie Wood

@alevel.revisionnotes

A comprehensive exploration of postmodern perspectives on religion and religious market theory, examining how religious practices and beliefs are evolving rather than declining in contemporary society. The analysis covers key concepts including Postmodernism religion Sociology, Religious market theory,

... Show more
LESSON 13
POSTMODERNITY and RELIGIOUS MARKET THEORY
We are looking at critics arguing against the idea of secularisation theory's view that

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Page 2: Spiritual Shopping and Religious Transformation

This page explores the concept of "spiritual shopping" and the individualization of religious belief in postmodern society.

Danièle Hervieu-Léger's theory of religious transformation emphasizes:

  1. A decline in institutional religion partly due to "cultural amnesia" - the loss of religious traditions passed down through generations.
  2. The undermining of traditional church authority due to trends toward social equality.
  3. The development of personalized "DIY" beliefs that align with individual interests and aspirations.

Vocabulary: Cultural amnesia refers to the loss of religious knowledge and traditions that were previously passed down through generations.

Hervieu-Léger argues that while traditional collective worship has declined, religion itself has not disappeared. Instead, it has been transformed by individual consumerism, leading to the concept of "spiritual shopping."

Definition: Spiritual shopping refers to the tendency of individuals to selectively choose religious or spiritual beliefs and practices from various traditions, creating personalized belief systems.

This individualization of religion has resulted in two new types of religious engagement:

  1. Pilgrims: Those who follow an individual path of self-discovery, often through New Age groups or personal therapy.
  2. Converts: Individuals who join religious groups offering a strong sense of belonging and community, such as evangelical movements.

Highlight: While religion may no longer serve as the primary source of collective identity, it continues to influence societal values and can be a source of cultural identity and social solidarity.

Example: Values such as equality and human rights, which have roots in religious traditions, can provide a sense of shared cultural identity even for those not actively religious.

The page concludes by noting the decline of traditional structures like the Church in modern society and the rise of individualism in religious expression and belief.

LESSON 13
POSTMODERNITY and RELIGIOUS MARKET THEORY
We are looking at critics arguing against the idea of secularisation theory's view that

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Page 2: The Privatisation of Religious Practice

This section examines the transformation of religious engagement into a more individualized experience, highlighting the emergence of personal spiritual journeys and consumer-like approaches to faith.

Definition: Pick and mix religion Sociology describes how individuals now create personalized belief systems that align with their interests and aspirations.

Highlight: The shift from collective worship to individual consumerism in religious practice represents a fundamental change in how people engage with faith.

Example: Two distinct types of modern religious practitioners have emerged:

  • Pilgrims: Those seeking self-discovery through New Age movements
  • Converts: Individuals joining evangelical movements for community belonging
LESSON 13
POSTMODERNITY and RELIGIOUS MARKET THEORY
We are looking at critics arguing against the idea of secularisation theory's view that

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Page 3: Digital Religion and Modern Expression

This section explores how technology has transformed religious practice and expression in the postmodern era.

Definition: The distinction between "religion online" and "online religion" represents different approaches to digital religious engagement:

  • Religion online: Traditional top-down communication from religious organizations
  • Online religion: Interactive, community-based religious expression existing purely in digital space

Highlight: Lyon's concept of re-enchantment suggests a growth in unconventional beliefs rather than religious decline.

Example: Televangelism exemplifies how people can express religious beliefs without physical church attendance.

LESSON 13
POSTMODERNITY and RELIGIOUS MARKET THEORY
We are looking at critics arguing against the idea of secularisation theory's view that

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Page 1: Postmodernity and Religious Market Theory

This page introduces critiques of secularization theory and alternative perspectives on religious change in modern society.

Key points include:

Postmodernist arguments that religion is changing rather than declining as society develops. The concept of religious market theory suggests secularization is part of an ongoing cycle of decline, revival, and renewal.

Grace Davie's theory of "believing without belonging" posits that religion has become a matter of personal choice rather than obligation. This leads to increased diversity and potentially greater involvement, with secularization primarily observed in Europe.

Definition: Vicarious religion refers to a small number of clergy practicing religion on behalf of a larger population who experience it secondhand.

Davie's research found many people maintain religious beliefs and identify with traditions without regular church attendance. Religion is becoming more privatized, with church attendance now a personal choice.

Example: Reginald Bibby's study in Canada found 25% attended church regularly, but 80% claimed religious beliefs and turned to religion for life events like weddings.

Critiques of Davie's theory include:

  • Voas and Crockett's analysis showing declines in both church attendance and belief in God
  • Steve Bruce's argument that reduced attendance indicates weakening belief

Highlight: The debate centers on whether reduced institutional participation necessarily equates to declining religious belief and influence in society.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user