Perspectives on Secularisation

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7 Terms

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What is the secularisation theory (Wilson)?

‘The process whereby religious beliefs, practices and institutions lose social significance’

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How is society becoming more secular?

Younger people don’t find religion as important anymore

  • From 1800s, fewer people go to church (under 0.8 million)

  • Baptism rates have halved since 1964


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How has the state taken over sections the church previously fulfilled?

  • 26 bishops in the House of Lords

  • Schools are run by the state, even faith schools, with a set curriculum

  • Law may be held above religious beliefs


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How is studying religion difficult for sociologists?

  • People may give ‘socially desirable answers’

  • Religion has been more privatised due to industrialisation.

  • Specific religions hold discriminatory practises so people may reject expressing that religion


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How does Weber (social action theorist) look at secularisiation?

Western society has moved to rational explanations of the world, declining the usage of religion, and this rationalisation derives from Protestant reformation

  • Before industrialisation, there was Catholicism; had an enchanted view of the world controlled by supernatural forces. So humans use prayers to be forgiven for their sins

  • After industrialisation, Protestantism became more relevant; holds a disenchanted view of the world where God doesn’t intervene. So humans use scientific methods to explain the world.


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How do Marxists view secularisation?

Marx argues that it is positive, as in his ideal communist world, religion isn’t needed

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How do functionalists view secularisation?

Religion has become more private and less functional:

  • Parsons argues other institutions have replaced religion’s function (structural differentiation) Religion inhibited healthcare, education and punishment, but now there is the NHS, schools and the criminal justice system. So, there is less of a need for religion

  • In an industrial society, there are more complex and specialised labor roles, much different from what the church advocated for.