Religion and Education in Sociology week `10

These flashcards review key concepts related to the sociology of religion and education, focusing on definitions, theories, and important figures.

Theodicy

An attempt to explain or justify the existence of bad things, such as death and suffering.

Religio

Latin term meaning respect for what is sacred, as a root for the word religion.

Substantial definitions of religion

Definitions that delineate crucial characteristics that define what a religion is and is not.

Functional definitions of religion

Definitions that describe religion based on its functions in society.

Family resemblance model

A model in which a series of commonly shared attributes define a common category, such as games or religions.

Polytheism

The belief in multiple gods.

Monotheism

The belief in a single god.

Secularization

The decline in the importance of the supernatural and sacred due to modern influences.

Fundamentalism

Conservative religious doctrine that opposes intellectualism and seeks to restore traditional religion.

Individual secularization

The decline in individual involvement in churches and religious belief.

Asceticism

A lifestyle characterized by self-denial from pleasures for the pursuit of spiritual goals.

Spirituality (New Age)

A belief system that emphasizes a higher power, interconnectedness, and personal transformation.

Structural Functionalist Approach

A theoretical perspective that views religion as promoting social cohesion and control.

Social Conflict Approach

A perspective that sees religion as sustaining social inequality and promoting specific ideologies.

Critical Sociology

A perspective that examines how educational systems reinforce and perpetuate social inequalities.

Credentialism

The emphasis on degrees and certificates to signify skill or educational attainment.

C. Cooley's Looking Glass Self

A concept that suggests our self-perception is shaped by how we believe others see us.