Globalisation and Fundamentalism in Religion

Bruce - Fundamentalism views

Fundamentalism is just confined to monotheistic religions. In the West, Fundamentalism is a reaction to changes within a country e.g. increase in diversity

Bruce - Cultural Defence

Religion unites a community against an external threat, plays a prominent role in politics. Religion symbolises the groups collective identity. To ‘defend their culture’

Bruce - Cultural Defence examples

1) Poland 1945 - 1989, Catholic Church united together to overthrow the communist regime

2) Iranian revolution, Western powers influencing in 1960’s and 70’s. Islam became a focus to unite Iranians in resistance to change.

Huntington views - Clash of Civilisations

7 major civilisations (Western, L. American, Confucian(China), Japanese, Islamic, Hindu, Slavic-Orthodox). Within each there is common cultural background and identity. Globalisation has made contact between each easier, so increases likelyhood of old conflict reemerging. E.g. 9/11 (but problematic)

Nanda views 1

Traditional Hindu beliefs were rejecting materialism, but an increase in wealth in India led to holy men preaching that wealth is ok. This means people in India become more religious because religion is in their interests.

Nanda views 2

The ‘business friendly version' of Hinduism legitimates the position of middle class. Politicians promote India’s growth as due to Hindu values, leading to Hindu ultra-nationalism

Redding views

Capitalism in East Asia Tiger economies e.g South Korea. Post-confucian values encourage hard work, self discipline and commitment to education leading to economic productivity and accumulation of capital.

Castells views - Postmodernist

Globalisation brings changes and uncertainty, leads to 2 responses:

1) Project Identity - looking forward and engaging with social movements

2) Resistant Identity - Defensive reaction by those who feel threatened and retreat to fundamentalism

Giddens views - Modernist

In modern times, hear lots of views from around the world, leading to diversity. 2 responses to this:

1) Fundamentalism - Defensive of own views, reject diversity

2) Cosmopolitanism - tolerance and acceptance of diversity

Example of religious fundamentalism 1

The New Christian Right - Young American protestants overcoming liberal ideology by restoring christian order to society. Called fascism by many, associated with MAGA

Example of religious fundamentalism 2

Hindutua movement - Right Wing political and nationalist ideology that defines cultural identity in India as a Hindu. Emerged as a protest against British colonialism

Example of religious fundamentalism 3

The Taliban - A terrorist group that seized control of Afghanistan government in 2021 (and 1996-2001). Linked to Al-Queda. Closed schools for girls and banned women’s higher education. Was a response to the Soviet occupation.