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Intro to Sociology Ch 14 Notes
Introduction to Sociology (SOC 110)
Des Moines Area Community College
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Chapter 14: Understanding
Institutions: Religion
14 Religion Sociologically
Religion is a social institution that involves the beliefs and practices of what has been socially constructed as sacred in a given society. Religiosity is the level of religiousness of an individual and includes religious activities, practices, and beliefs. Spirituality is the search for the sacred that may occur outside of doctrinal boundaries.
14 Key Terms
profane: A sphere of everyday life, not sacred sacred: That which inspires reverence and devotion religion: A social institution that involves the beliefs and practices of what has been socially constructed as sacred in a given society religiosity: Religiousness, measured by looking at a range of religious beliefs, activities, and practices in which people participate spirituality: The search for the sacred, which involves finding meaning or purpose in your life and trusting in some higher power
14 Pluralism and Secularization
Pluralism is a diversity and coexistence of different religions. Secularization is a society’s movement away from identification with religious values and institutions and can be seen in the growing number of people who identify as nonreligious.
14 Key Terms
religious pluralism: Arises when different religious belief systems coexist within a society secularization: A society’s movement away from identification with religious values and institutions atheists: Do not believe in a god agnostics: Maintain that nothing is known or can be known about god(s) secular humanists: Believe that humans have the capability of being just without religion or a divine god secularization theory: Suggests that modernization encourages the demystifying of the world and undermines the influence of religion modernization: Occurs as countries undergo the process of industrialization and decisions begin to be based more on reason and logic than tradition sects: Subgroups of larger religions that have some of their own distinct beliefs and practices cults: Unorthodox sects; violence is not a necessary component. Cults are also called newly formed religious movements
14 Fundamentalism
Fundamentalism is a response to modernization and secularization. Fundamentalists resist such societal changes by holding onto idealized, conservative, traditional religious practices; strict conformity to religious scriptures; and a belief in one true religion.
14 Key Terms
fundamentalists: Those who resist societal changes and hold on to idealized, conservative, traditional religious practices Islamophobia: The fear or dislike of all or most Muslims
as they interact. They use symbols, practices, and shared understanding to create religions. Like other parts of society, most religions change over time, as they respond to social forces within and outside their organizations.
14 Key Terms
rituals: Ceremonial behaviors
14 and Social Issues, Social Change, and
Everyday Life
Although religion has been used as the basis for violence throughout history, it is also a driving force in positive social change. The American civil rights movement shows how churches can become a safe haven from violence. Malala Yousafzai demonstrates how young people today are using their faith to counter messages of hatred. Pope Francis is an example of the role of religious leaders in advocating for displaced and disadvantaged groups.
14 Key Terms
subcultural identity theory: Suggests that individuals seek a collective identity that helps provide them with a strong moral code secular: Nonreligious religious environmentalism: The environmental actions of religious leaders and communities within organized religion as well as more general environmentalism grounded in spirituality
Intro to Sociology Ch 14 Notes
Course: Introduction to Sociology (SOC 110)
University: Des Moines Area Community College
