Two ways social groups have affected secularisation

10 marks

What are social groups?

Collection of people who share a common social characteristic

What are the four social groups?

CAGE

Paragraph 1- Age has contributed to secularisation

Point:

• Age has affected secularisation because younger generations are less likely to engage in religious institutions.

Explain:

• Postmodernists argue that society is now characterised by individual choice and diversity, meaning younger people are less committed to organised religion

Evidence:

• Beck, individualisation

Analysis:

Furthermore in a PM society, due to this extra choice and less societal pressure their are pix and mix identifies that suit peoples identities rather than traditional religions

Link:

This shows how age, as a social group, has contributed to secularisation by reducing participation in traditional religion.

Paragraph 2- Gender as a social group has influenced secularisation

Point:

• Changes in gender roles have reduced religious involvement, contributing to secularisation

Explain:

• Women were traditionally more religious due to their domestic roles, but increased employment and gender equality have weakened this link.

Evidence:

• Bruce, religion loses relevance as traditional roles decline

• Feminism challenges patriarchal religious institutions

Analysis:

• Because women were traditionally more religious and responsible for religious socialisation, their disengagement accelerates secularisation.

Link:

This demonstrates how gender, as a social group has driven secularisation.