religious market theory

also known as:

rational choice theory

sociologist(s):

stark and bainbridge

overview

• see secularisation as eurocentric

assumptions

1. people are naturally religious

2. it is human nature to seek rewards and avoid costs

religious as attractive

• compensators

• when supernatural rewards are unobtainable eg immortality religion provides compensation with promising life after death

cycle of renewal

• decline, revival and renewal

• some religions decline and others grow which attract new members

• a gap in the market is made when churches decline and sects and cults attract new followers

• religion continues rather than disappearing

competition

• competition increases participation

• many religious groups compete, become innovating and adapt, and work harder to attract followers

• operate like companies selling goods in a market

• improved quality of religious goods on offer

• make their product attractive

europe

• demand for religion increased when there is a choice in religion because a healthy market exists where religion grows or declines according to consumer demand

• religious monopoly in europe means lack of choice and leads to a decline

ao3

• beckford - theory assumes people are naturally religious

• bruce - diversity and competition means there is a decline