AQA A-Level Sociology: Beliefs in Society Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, theories, and scholars in AQA A-Level Sociology Beliefs in Society.

Secularisation

The process where religion becomes less important in society.

Worldview

A set of beliefs and values that shape how people understand the world.

Émile Durkheim

Argued religion creates social solidarity and reinforced collective conscience and social unity.

The sacred

Things set apart as special or holy.

The profane

Ordinary, everyday things.

Collective conscience

Shared norms and values that hold society together.

Max Weber

Created the concept of the Protestant Ethic and linked Calvinist beliefs to the rise of capitalism through hard work, saving and investment.

Protestant Ethic

The belief that hard work and discipline were signs of salvation.

Alienation (Marx)

Workers becoming disconnected from their labour and humanity.

Marx's view of religion

Religion supports capitalism and prevents revolution by acting as the 'opium of the people'.

Opium of the people

Religion comforts the poor and distracts them from inequality.

Feminist critique of religion

They argue many religions are patriarchal and oppress women.

Patriarchy

A system where men hold power over women.

Miller and Hoffman

Argued women are more religious because of socialisation.

Denomination

A religious organisation between a church and sect.

Sect

A small, exclusive religious group often demanding high commitment.

Cult

A loose spiritual organisation with individual beliefs and little structure.

Troeltsch

Developed the church-sect typology.

New Religious Movements (NRMs)

New spiritual or religious organisations developed in modern society.

World-affirming NRMs

Groups focused on personal success and self-improvement.

World-rejecting NRMs

Groups critical of mainstream society.

World-accommodating NRMs

Groups that accept society but focus on spiritual renewal.

Roy Wallis

Created the typology of New Religious Movements (NRMs) including world-affirming, world-rejecting, and world-accommodating.

Fundamentalism

Strict adherence to religious teachings and traditions.

Giddens

Argued religious fundamentalism is caused by rapid social change and globalisation.

Globalisation

The increasing interconnectedness of societies worldwide.

Religion as a force for change

It can inspire protest movements and social reform, such as the American Civil Rights Movement.

Bruce

Used the American Civil Rights Movement as an example of religion acting as a force for social protest.

Martin Luther King Jr.

American civil rights leader who led the Civil Rights Movement.

Liberation theology

A form of Christianity focused on helping the poor and challenging oppression.

Civil religion

Shared beliefs and rituals that unite a nation.

Bellah

Developed the idea of civil religion.

Religious pluralism

The existence of many religions within one society.

Postmodernism view of religion

Religion becomes more individualised and based on choice.

Spiritual shopping

People choosing beliefs from different religions to suit themselves.

Hervieu-Léger

Developed the concept of cultural amnesia, where modern societies lose religious traditions over time.

Ethnic religion

Religion closely linked to ethnic identity and community.

Religion for minority ethnic groups

Can provide support against racism and discrimination.