Key Concepts of Beliefs in Society

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to beliefs in society, focusing on different religious aspects, ideologies, and the interaction between religion and social factors.

Religiosity

The extent to which someone sees themselves as religious.

Fundamentalism

A strict adherence to traditional religious beliefs, seeking to return to the basics of faith.

Secularisation

The decrease in the power that religion has in society.

Ideology

A set of ideas, values, and beliefs that provide a means of interpreting the world.

Theistic Beliefs

Beliefs in a higher power, which can be monotheistic (one God) or polytheistic (many gods).

New Age Movements

Spiritual belief systems focused on self-development and fulfillment rather than devotion to a higher power.

Animism

The belief in spirits and ghosts that can impact the human or natural world.

Totemism

A form of animism involving sacred symbols that represent a community.

Substantive Definition of Religion

A definition that identifies core characteristics exclusive to major religions.

Circularity (Polanyi)

Each idea within a closed belief system is explained in terms of another idea within that system.

Collective Consciousness (Durkheim)

The set of shared beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes that operate as a unifying force within society.

Civil Religion

The belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society itself, integrating various religions.

Liberation Theology

A movement encouraging social change and action against oppression, rooted in Christian theology.

Existential Security (Norris and Inglehart)

The notion that people turn to religion for security during times of crisis.

Vicarious Religion

The idea that individuals are represented in their religious beliefs and practices by others.

Dialectical Materialism (Marxism)

A theoretical framework that views economic class struggle as the driving force of social change.

Spiritual Marketplaces

Contexts where individuals can choose and mix different belief systems and practices.

Cultural Amnesia

The loss of the religion and beliefs handed down through generations, often leading to individual belief selection.

Gender and Religiocity

The statistical observation that women tend to be more religious than men.

Ethnicity and Religion

The association of religious affiliation with one’s ethnic identity, providing support within marginalized groups.

Age and Religion Trends

Patterns indicating older individuals tend to have higher levels of religious participation than younger individuals.

Secularisation Theory

The theory that religion loses social significance as society modernizes.