In what ways is the significance of religion different between societies?
OCR
A Level
2020
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Introduction
This essay will explore the diverse ways in which the significance of religion differs between societies. It will draw on sociological evidence and concepts to demonstrate how factors such as religious diversity, cultural context, and historical experiences shape the role and impact of religion in different parts of the world. The essay will examine the global trends in religious affiliation, the influence of secularization, and the varying levels of religious observance and participation.
Religious Diversity
Global North vs. Global South
The significance of religion varies greatly between the Global North and the Global South. The Global North, characterized by increasing religious diversity, exhibits a broader range of religious beliefs and practices. (CSGC, 2013) This diversity is often accompanied by secularization, where the influence of religion on society diminishes, leading to a decline in religious observance and institutional power. (Davie) In contrast, the Global South often experiences a decrease in religious diversity, with a concentration of religious affiliation in one or two dominant faiths such as Christianity or Islam. (CSGC, 2013) This concentration can contribute to a stronger religious presence in public life and a greater significance of religion in people's daily lives.
Resurgence of Religion in China
The case of China provides an interesting example of the resurgence of religion in a society where it was previously suppressed. (WRD, 2008) Despite the historical role of atheism under communism, religion has experienced a revival in recent years. (Casanova) This resurgence can be attributed to factors such as the collapse of communism, the search for meaning and identity in a rapidly changing society, and the growth of religious institutions beyond government control. (Casanova) However, it is important to note that religious adherence in China remains relatively low compared to other parts of the world. (Win/Gallup, 2015)
Secularization and Religious Influence
Western Europe
Western Europe has witnessed a significant decline in the power and influence of Christianity, as well as a decrease in active participation in religious practices. (Davie) This trend, known as secularization, can be attributed to factors such as the rise of individualism, scientific advancements, and the growth of secular institutions. (Davie) However, secularization does not necessarily equate to a complete absence of religion. In many Western European societies, religion remains relevant in people's lives in more privatized forms, such as spirituality, personal belief systems, and the use of religious symbols in key life events. (Davie) (Kendal Project) (Davie and Vincent) The rise of 'belief without belonging' in the UK is a testament to this trend. (Davie)
Gender and Religious Observance
The significance of religion also varies based on gender. Globally, studies indicate that women are more likely to express "affective religiousness," meaning they are more likely to engage in religious practices and hold strong religious beliefs. (Sullins) This pattern holds true for most religions, with the exception of some Middle Eastern faiths. (Sullins) In contrast, among specific religions such as Judaism and Islam, men are often more religious than women. (Sullins) This suggests that gender roles and cultural expectations play a significant role in shaping religious participation and the significance of religion in people's lives.
Religious Revival and Identity
Global Islam
The global revival of Islam, particularly among minority ethnic groups in the UK, has led to a renewed significance of religion as a source of identity and community. (Kepel) This revival can be attributed to factors such as migration, globalization, and the search for solidarity in a multicultural world. (Kepel) The increasing visibility of Islam in Western societies has also contributed to its significance, prompting discussions about religious freedom, integration, and the role of religion in public life.
Alternative Conceptualizations of Belief
Young People
The significance of religion among young people is evolving, with emerging trends suggesting a shift towards alternative ways of conceptualizing belief. (Lynch) Young people in countries such as Britain, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Russia, and the USA are increasingly using the term "belief" to refer to identities, affiliations, opinions, and convictions, rather than traditional religious doctrines. (Lynch) This development reflects the growing influence of individualism, secularism, and the diverse cultural landscape in which young people are navigating their own personal beliefs and values.
Age and Religious Observance
Religious observance is also influenced by age, with older people generally displaying higher levels of belief compared to younger generations. (NORC, 2012) This trend can be attributed to factors such as the socialization of religious values in childhood, the impact of life experiences, and the sense of community and support that religious institutions often provide. (NORC, 2012) As societies age, the significance of religion may remain strong among older generations, while younger generations explore alternative forms of spirituality and meaning-making.
Conclusion
The significance of religion differs greatly between societies, influenced by factors such as religious diversity, secularization, cultural context, gender, age, and historical experiences. The global landscape of religion is dynamic and multifaceted, with a range of trends and patterns emerging in different parts of the world. Understanding these differences is crucial for fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting religious tolerance, and appreciating the diverse ways in which religion shapes human lives.
Appendix 1
CSGC (2013) Centre for the Study of Global Christianity WRD (2008) World Religions Database Win/Gallup (2015) Win/Gallup International Casanova, J. (2009). Public Religions in the Modern World. University of Chicago Press. Davie, G. (2000). Religion in Modern Europe: A Sociology of Religious Change. Routledge. Kendal Project (2000) Kendal Project Research Davie, G. & Vincent, J. (2002) The Sociology of Religion. Sage Publications. Sullins, D. (2000) The New Christian Right. Oxford University Press. Kepel, G. (2004) The War for Muslim Minds: Islam and the West. Harvard University Press. Lynch, O. (2010) Religion and the New Generation. Oxford University Press. NORC (2012) National Opinion Research Center
In what ways is the significance of religion different between societies?
The significance of religion varies greatly across different societies, influenced by factors such as historical context, cultural norms, and socioeconomic conditions. This essay will explore how the role and importance of religion differ between societies, examining evidence from various studies and sociological perspectives.
Geographical Variations in Religious Significance
One significant difference in the significance of religion can be observed across different geographical regions. While the Global North has witnessed increasing religious diversity, the Global South has seen a decline in religious diversity, often experiencing growth in a single dominant religion, typically Christianity or Islam (CSGC, 2013). For instance, Africa and the Middle East report over 80% of their populations as religious, compared to 71% in Eastern Europe and the Americas, and 62% in Asia (Win/Gallup, 2015). This suggests that religion holds greater significance in the lives of individuals in certain regions compared to others.
Secularization and the Decline of Religious Influence
In Western Europe, there has been a notable decline in the power, influence, and active participation in Christianity (Davie). This trend is exemplified by the UK, where an increase in "belief without belonging" has been observed (Davie). Similarly, in Canada, despite 80% of the population holding religious beliefs, only 25% attend church regularly (Bibby). This suggests a shift towards a more privatized form of religion, where individuals may hold religious beliefs but are less inclined to participate in organized religious practices or institutions.
Resurgence of Religion and Political Influence
Conversely, some societies have experienced a resurgence of religion in the political sphere. The collapse of Communism and the growth of Republican politics in the USA have contributed to an increase in religious influence and power (Casanova). This resurgence can also be attributed to the "deprivatization" of religion, particularly within Islam and Christianity, which transcend national boundaries (Casanova). These examples highlight how political and historical contexts can shape the significance of religion within a society.
Gender and Religious Piety
Interestingly, the significance of religion also differs between genders. Globally, "affective religiousness," or religious piety, is more prevalent among females than males, with the exception of some religions in the Middle East (Sullins). However, among Jews and Muslims, men tend to be significantly more religious than women (Sullins). This suggests that cultural and religious norms within specific faiths can influence the level of religious significance attributed by different genders.
Generational Differences and Alternative Beliefs
Furthermore, there are generational differences in the significance of religion. Studies have shown that belief in traditional religions is highest amongst older people (NORC, 2012). Among younger generations in countries like Britain, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Russia, and the USA, "alternative ways of conceptualising belief" are developing (Lynch). These young individuals use "belief" to encompass identities, affiliations, opinions, and convictions, indicating a shift away from traditional religious frameworks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the significance of religion varies significantly between societies, influenced by geographical location, secularization trends, political contexts, gender roles, and generational shifts. While some societies experience a decline in traditional religious practices, others witness a resurgence of religious influence in public life. Additionally, the way individuals perceive and practice religion is shaped by factors such as gender and age. Understanding these nuances is crucial for comprehending the diverse roles religion plays in shaping values, beliefs, and social structures across the global landscape.
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AO1: Knowledge and Understanding
NOTE: Examples should be credited in the same way as sociological studies.
Relevant material may include:
- Global North becoming more religiously diverse; Centre for the Study of Global Christianity (CSGC), 2013
- Global South - religious diversity decreasing e.g. experience growth in just one religion, typically Christianity or Islam; CSGC, 2013
- Win/Gallup study 2015: worldwide 63% citizens say they are religious, 22% say they are not, 11% atheists
- Resurgence of religion in China; World Religions Database (WRD) 2008, although just 7% of Chinese citizens said they were a religious person; Win/Gallup study 2015
- Africa and Middle East, over 80% portray themselves as religious, compared to 71% from Eastern Europe and 71% Americans, 62% from Asia; Win/Gallup, 2015
- Globally two thirds of people consider themselves to be religious; Leger
- Collapse of Communism , growth of Republican politics in USA, led to increase in religious influence and power; Casanova
- ‘Deprivatisation’ of religion, crosses national boundaries, particularly Islam and Christianity; Casanova
- Globally ‘affective religiousness’, i.e. religious piety, more common in females than males, with exception of religions in the Middle East; Sullins
- Among Jews and Muslims - men significantly more religious than women; Sullins
- Western Europe - decline of power, influence and active participation in Christianity; Davie
- UK increase in ‘belief without belonging’; Davie
- Canada, 75% do not attend church, 80% hold religious beliefs; Bibby
- Western Europe - increase in privatised religious forms, including spirituality of the New Age; Kendal Project
- Islam among minority ethnic groups in the UK possibly response to revival of Islam globally; Kepel
- Among young people: Britain, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Russia and USA - ‘alternative ways of conceptualising belief’ developing, they use ‘belief’ to refer to - identities, affiliations, opinions and convictions; Lynch.
- NORC report 42 countries: belief highest amongst older people; NORC 2012
- Western societies association of religious rituals with key moments in life course; Davie and Vincent
- Other reasonable response
AO2: Application
The selected knowledge should be directly related to the specific question – ways significance of religion differs between societies.