9699 · 12.1
The secularisation debate flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9699 The secularisation debate (syllabus 12.1). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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Secularisation?
Decline in religion's social significance, influence, and participation.
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Wilson — secularisation?
Religion moving from churches to private sphere — less influential.
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Bruce — indicators?
Lower attendance, disengagement of young, loss of religious monopoly.
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Davie — believing without belonging?
Private belief persists while church attendance falls (UK).
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Berger's reversal?
Initially predicted secularisation; later acknowledged religion's persistence globally.
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Global South growth?
Christianity/Islam expanding in Africa, Latin America — challenges Western-centric thesis.
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What is 'Rationalisation' according to Max Weber?
The process by which rational and scientific ways of thinking and acting come to replace religious and magical ones in society. It is a key driver of secularisation and leads to 'disenchantment'.
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Explain Grace Davie's concept of 'Believing without Belonging'.
The idea that people may continue to hold religious beliefs (believing) but no longer feel the need to attend church or be part of a religious organisation (belonging). It challenges the use of attendance statistics as the sole measure of secularisation.
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What is 'Structural Differentiation' in the context of religion?
A process identified by Talcott Parsons where state institutions (like education, healthcare, and welfare) take over functions previously performed by a single institution, the church. This leads to the disengagement and specialisation of religion.
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What is 'Cultural Defence' as an argument against secularisation?
A concept, used by Steve Bruce, where religion provides a focal point for the defence of a national, ethnic, or group identity in a struggle against an external force, such as a hostile foreign power. This shows religion can retain or regain significance.
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What were the main findings of the Kendal Project (Heelas and Woodhead)?
It found that while traditional congregational religion was declining in Kendal, there was a growth in the 'holistic milieu' (New Age and spiritual activities). This suggests a 'spiritual revolution' or 'resacralisation' is occurring, rather than simple secularisation.
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What is 'American Exceptionalism' in the context of secularisation?
The idea that the USA is an exception to the secularisation trend seen in other modern, industrialised nations. Despite being highly modern, the US retains high levels of religious belief and participation, challenging the theory that modernity inevitably leads to religious decline.
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What is Religious Market Theory (or Rational Choice Theory)?
Proposed by Stark and Bainbridge, this theory argues that humans are naturally religious and seek rewards/avoid costs. It views religions as competing in a market. Pluralism and competition make religions stronger and more responsive to people's needs, thus explaining high religiosity in places like the USA.
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What is 'Vicarious Religion'?
A concept from Grace Davie describing a situation where a small, active minority of religious individuals practise their faith on behalf of a much larger number of people, who experience religion second-hand. This larger group implicitly approves of the minority's activities and may draw on the church for rites of passage.