Religion-and-Globalisation-Sociology.pptx

Sociology

1. RELIGION IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT LO: To understand and be able to evaluate explanations of the nature of religious fundamentalism To understand and be able to evaluate explanations of the role of religion in international conflict

2. In this topic we will examine Religious fundamentalism Secular fundamentalism The clash of civilisations Religion and cultural defence Religion and economic development

3. Globalisation recap MWB: Define globalisation Globalisation is the idea that barriers between societies are disappearing and people are becoming increasingly interconnected across national boundaries THE GROWTH OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS GLOBAL MEDIA TECHNOLOGY/ INTERNET THE CREATION OF GLOBAL MARKETS Many see globalisation as producing rapid social changes.

4. MWB: USING THE IMAGES ABOVE, EXPLAIN WHAT IS MEANT BY FUNDAMENTALISM

5. 1.RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALISM(EXTREMISM) Fundamentalism is an extreme and radical view of religion. Religion based on an unquestioning belief in the literal truth of a sacred text. Fundamentalism refers to the process of returning to the basics of a religion and beliefs in absolute truth Almond et al (2003) say that fundamentalism is a reaction to secularisation and globalisation . Fundamentalism is quite different from traditional religio n. It arises only where traditional beliefs and values are threatened or challenged by modern society and especially by the impact of an increasingly globalised economy.

6. MWB: list some possible key features or characteristics of fundamentalism (extremism) An authoritative sacred text An ‘us and them’ mentality Aggressive reaction Use of modern technology Patriarchy Prophecy Conspiracy theories RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTLISM

7. MWB MATCH UP An authoritative sacred text An ‘us and them’ mentality Aggressive reaction Use of modern technology Patriarchy Prophecy Conspiracy theories Challenge: which characteristic is the most significant in leading to social change? The word of the Holy text is literally true, and it contains the answers to all life’s important questions (from politics to family life). E.G. Christian fundamentalists interpret the Bible solely as a set of historical facts/prophecies about the future, ignoring other interpretations of it as poetry, symbolism or metaphor Actions are intended to shock, intimidate or cause harm. Drawn to the idea that powerful, hidden, evil forces and organisations are in control of human destiny Although fundamentalists oppose modern culture, they are keen to use technology to achieve their aims – from the internet to televangelism Separate themselves from the rest of the world and refuse to compromise with it Favour a world in which control over women’s sexuality, reproductivity and their social/economic roles is fixed for all time by divine decree Proclaim the relevance of biblical prophecies to contemporary events e.g. the world will soon end

8. “Once we thought that Western society had all the answers for successful, fruitful living. If we followed the lead of the West we would have progress. Now we see that this isn’t true. They are sick societies, even their material prosperity is breaking down. America is full of crime and promiscuity. Russia is worse. Who wants to be like that? We have to remember God. Look how God has blessed Saudi Arabia. That is because they have tried to follow the (Islamic) Law. And America, with all its loose society, is all problems ”. What characteristics of fundamentalism are being demonstrated here? Patriarchy An authoritative sacred texts An ‘us and them’ mentality A02: CHARACTERISTICS OF FUNDAMENTALISM

9. 1. Do you consider fundamentalism a conservative force or force for change? Explain your answer….. Both: conservative for traditions but radical for seeking social change 2. Do you think fundamentalists get along with people of the same religion ? Explain your answer…… No: they usually accuse them of not being ‘true’ believers Challenge questions:

10. FUNDAMENTALISM AND MODERNITY   Giddens   sees ‘fundamentalism’ and its growth as a product of and reaction to globalisation. In today’s ‘late modern’ society, individuals are constantly faced with choice, uncertainty and risk. MWB: Why might fundamentalism be attractive in a society that is filled with “uncertainty and risk”? The attraction of fundamentalism and its rigid, dogmatic beliefs is the certainty that it promises in an uncertain world. It is a retreat into faith-based answers and away from the globalising world that demands rational reasons.

11. It is important to note than fundamentalist can be found in all religions. How they express their beliefs may differ. Some express their fundamentalism by trying to bring social change by political means e.g. The New Christian right who often campaign against abortion and gay rights. Other fundamentalist groups are often associated with violent conflicts; Boko Haram in Nigeria The Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda For the western government they pay particular concern to Islamic fundamentalism.

12. TASK Your fact sheet has 3 examples of fundamentalist groups BUT for this task you are only concerned with below: Boko Haram in Nigeria The Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda Read through the fact sheet and identify the fundamentalist characteristics that each example demonstrates. This will form your A02 for your essay!

13. A03:COSMOPOLITANISM Cosmopolitanism is an alternative response to globalisation. Giddens contrasts fundamentalism with cosmopolitanism- a way of thinking that embraces modernity and is in keeping with today’s globalising world. It is tolerant of the views of others and open to new ideas. It requires people to justify their views by the use of rational arguments and evidence rather than by appealing to sacred texts. In a cosmopolitan society, religion and spirituality emphasises the pursuit of personal meaning and self-improvement.

14. FUNDAMENTALISM AS A RESPONSE TO POSTMODERNITY In a postmodern society filled with uncertainty and risk some people embrace the new freedom while others are attracted to fundamentalism ( Bauman ) by its claims of an absolute truth and certainty. Castells (2010) argues there are 2 possible responses to postmodernity: Resistance Identity- people who feel threatened and retreat to fundamentalist communities Project Identity- foreword looking and engages with social movements e.g. feminism and environmentalism

15. MONOTHEISM AND FUNDAMENTALISM Bruce (2008) sees the main cause of fundamentalism as the perception of religious traditionalists that today’s globalised world threatens their beliefs. Bruce believes this is more likely to occur in monotheistic religions- that is those believing in a single almighty God. Q: Explain why Bruce may be right? Link to sacred texts This is because monotheistic religions are based on a notion of God’s will as revealed through a single authoritative sacred texts. This is believed to contain the actual word of God and it lays down specific rules for believers to follow.

16. In the West….. Fundamentalism is a response to trends towards diversity and choice e.g. New Christian Right oppose gender equality, sexual ‘permissiveness’, abortion and the privatisation of religion. The aim is to integrate the state and the church. In the Third World….. Fundamentalism is a reaction to changes being thrust upon society by the outside world, which are triggered by globalisation e.g. Western values being imposed by foreign capitalism or by local elites supporting the West. The aim is to resist the states attempt to confine religion to the private sphere. Fundamentalism AO2 Key Examples - Christian vs Islamic Responses

17. MWB TRUE OR FALSE Fundamentalism is a response to postmodernity TRUE Fundamentalism can only occur for polytheistic religions FALSE Boko Haram is an example of a religious fundamentalist group TRUE Cosmopolitanism is an alternative response to globalisation TRUE

18. 2.SECULAR FUNDAMENTALISM Davie (2013) argues that modernity has spurned two different ‘types’ of fundamentalism: Religious fundamentalism Secular fundamentalism Davie (2013)agrees to an extent that religious fundamentalism has been triggered by increasing globalisation. However, Davie also claims that fundamentalism is not confined to religion as certain movements have emerged that have no connections with traditional religious teaching and yet have common themes of fundamentalism. For example, there is increasing support for far-right political groups in Western societies who are ‘protecting’ conservative values that were once dominant but are no longer respected by the liberal majority.

19. Secular fundamentalism in the law In 2015 s ome French local councils controlled by right wing parties have stopped serving alternatives to pork in their school meals, on the grounds that all pupils must be treated equally and that religion must be kept out of the secular sphere. In 2004 France banned pupils from wearing religious symbols in school In 2010 France made it illegal for women to wear the veil in public Use the characteristics of fundamentalism – what characteristics are illustrated in the above examples? These policies legitimate the exclusion of religious minorities – us vs. them mentality

20. A03: CRITICAL CRITICAL Beckford   (2003) is critical on several grounds: They distinguish too sharply between cosmopolitanism and fundamentalism, ignoring ‘hybrid’ movements. They are ‘ fixated on fundamentalism ’, ignoring other important developments including how globalisation is also affecting non-fundamentalist religions such as Catholicism. Giddens lumps all types of fundamentalism together , ignoring important differences between them. Jeff Haynes (1998) argues that we should not focus narrowly on the idea that Islamic fundamentalism is a reaction against globalisation. For example, in the Middle East, conflicts caused by the failure of local elites to deliver on their promises to improve the standard of living are often the fuel that drives fundamentalism.

21. MWB TRUE OR FALSE Fundamentalism is a response to postmodernity TRUE Fundamentalism can only occur for polytheistic religions FALSE Boko Haram is an example of a religious fundamentalist group TRUE Cosmopolitanism is an alternative response to globalisation TRUE Fundamentalism is not confined to religion TRUE

22. 3. THE CLASH OF CIVILISATIONS MWB: Define the term civilisation the society, culture, and way of life of a particular area Huntington (1996) takes a different approach to other theorists when discussing fundamentalism. Huntington claims that, due to globalisation, there are seven different civilisations in existence that transcend national borders. Western Islamic Japanese Latin America Confucian Hindu Slavic-orthodox Each of these civilisations are associated with a mainstream religion.

23. In todays world, religious differences between civilisations are a major source of conflict. This is happening more than ever because religion is becoming more & more important as a source of national identity (as the power of the nation state declines) . Globalisation means that civilisations are more likely to be in contact with each other which means old conflicts re-emerge easier. In the globalised world, religion creates an ‘us vs them’ mentality as competition for wealth and military power grows on the global scale. Religious differences are also harder to solve than political ones as they are ‘closed systems ’ and deeply rooted in culture and history. THE CLASH OF CIVILISATIONS

24. Huntington sees history as a struggle of ‘progress against barbarism’. He believes the West is under threat and urges the West to reassert itself as a liberal-democratic Christian civilisation. MWB: What contemporary examples are there to support the view that the “west is under threat”? Consider major events/tragedies Murder of Lee Rigby (2013), 2017 Westminster attack, 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, London Bridge attack 2017, 2017 September London tube failed attack Globally: 9/11, Berlin attack, Paris attack(s) Charlie Hebdo attack THE CLASH OF CIVILISATIONS

25. A03 GET CRITICAL CRITICAL Jackson (2006) sees Huntington’s work as an example of orientalism- a western ideology that stereotypes Eastern nations and people (especially muslims ) as untrustworthy or fanatical and serves to justify exploitation and human rights abuses by the west. Casanova (2005) argues that Huntington ignores important religious divisions within the ‘civilisations’ he identifies e.g. between Sunni and Shi’a Islam. Karen Armstrong argues that the hostility towards the West does not stem from fundamentalist Islam, but it is a reaction to Western Foreign policy in the Middle East . The west has propped up oppressive regimes and continue to support Israel despite its aggressive treatment of Palestinians

26. 4.CULTURAL DEFENCE Religion has special significance for its followers because it symbolises the group or society’s collective identity. Defending the community against a threat often gives religion a prominent role in politics. Poland is an example of religion as a cultural defence in from the late 20 th century. It illustrates how religion can be used in defence of national identity in the face of political domination by external power.

27. CULTURAL DEFENCE In Poland between 1945 and 1989 , the Catholic Church symbolized resistance to the Communist regime backed by the Soviet Union and served as a popular rallying point for opposition groups such as the trade union Solidarity . Poland - is an example of religion as a cultural defence against a perceived external enemy. The external power was Soviet communism .

28. 5.RELIGION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

29. Some theorists who argue against the idea of global secularisation believe instead that religion may be playing a vital role in the economic development of previously disadvantaged communities. We will be examining God and globalisation in India Pentecostalism in Latin America

30. RELIGION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Religion may contribute to development, as Weber argued in the case of the Protestant ethic. More recently, sociologists have examined what role religion may play in development in today’s globalising world. Religious ideas lead some people to act in new ways that encourage economic development in less developed societies Weber shows us how religious ideals ( this worldly asceticism/work as vocation, asceticism, predestination, divine transcendence ) can lead to economic development through the creation of capitalism. It is important to analyse how religion goes hand in hand with technological advancement and modernisation to help the economy (goes against the secularisation theory that religion holds back progress). As Weber highlighted this in 1904 ; we need modern examples to illustrate how his ideas are still relevant today.

31. Nanda (2008) studied how Hinduism has evolved to assist the rapid economic growth experienced by India over recent generations. Globalisation has brought a wealth of opportunities to India due to a surge in global demand for industries that India is reputable in. This has led to the emergence of a young, professional middle class . The expectation is that this class will become more secular, as their need for the traditional religion of Hinduism diminishes with their new-found prosperity. However, Nanda claims hat the opposite has occurred . Traditionally Hinduism preaches the ‘ renunciation’ of materialism & this conflicts with the fact that many Hindus are becoming increasingly wealthy due to globalisation. HOWEVER , Hinduism is adapting to the globalised world & embracing prosperity & self-advancement HINDUISM AND CONSUMERISM

32. HINDUISM AND ULTRA-NATIONALISM Nanda suggests many Indians believe that their Hindu values have stimulated their economy and success in the global market. As a result, Hinduism is creating a sense of ultra-nationalism by generating a worship of Indian culture rather than just a focus on gods. Nanda argues that Hindu beliefs have instilled a sense of national pride within it’s followers which creates hard working, industrious people – which helps explain the growth in India’s economy. In this way Hindu ‘ultra-nationalism’ the worship of the Hindu Gods have become the same as worshipping the nation of India = a civil religion A supposedly secular state becomes increasing influenced by religion

33. God and globalisation in India The Health Ministry is also researching the use of Cow’s Urine (A Sacred Hindu Animal) for the treatment of AIDS & TB. Hindu ultra-nationalism Contemporary Hindu Holy Men are preaching the message that desire is not bad & that material wealth is actually a sign that people are motivated, optimistic & hard-working. Economic prosperity – middle class Many M/C Hindus pay for religious rituals & attend extravagant festivals which takes the guilt of materialism away – they are able to use their wealth to develop their religion. Economic prosperity – middle class ‘Hindu Sciences’ such as Astrology are being taught in Universities as they are thought to be able to predict earthquakes & disasters. Hindu ultra-nationalism M/C Hindus are being taught that consumerism can be ‘Spiritually Balanced’ by paying for the performance of religious rituals (particularly paying poor villagers to perform their rituals for them). Economic prosperity – middle class The Indian Ministry of Defence are sponsoring research into, & the development of ‘Magical Weapons’ that are mentioned in Hindu texts. Hindu ultra-nationalism In a Global Attitudes Survey 93% of Indians agreed with the following statement… ‘Our people are not perfect, but our culture is superior to others’. Hindu ultra-nationalism USING THE HINDUISM FACTSHEETS SORT THE EVIDENCE! In your table there is a list of evidence relating to the rise of Hindu ultra-nationalism or how religion is legitimizing the development of the m/c (economic prosperity)

34. Berger (2003), believes that the rapid spread of Pentecostalism across South America countries such as Brazil has had a similar impact to that of Calvinism in central Europe. Latin American Pentecostalists embrace a work ethic and lifestyle similar to that of the Calvinists and this encourages its members to prosper and become upwardly mobile. Berger concludes that Pentecostalism has a strong affinity with modern capitalism. However, Berger underlines Weber’s point that religious ideas alone are not enough to produce economic development — natural resources are also needed. For example, while Pentecostalism has grown in northern Brazil, the region lacks resources and remains backward. By contrast, the south, which is developing rapidly, has both a work ethic derived from Pentecostalism and the necessary resources. PENTECOSTALISM IN LATIN AMERICA

35. Outline and explain two ways in which religion and development may be related in the world today. (10 marks) Success Criteria MWB Possible ways: The role of Hinduism in legitimating the prosperity of the new middle class in India The economic role of Pentecostalism in Latin America Exampler : Pentecostalism in Chile and Southern Brazil encourages a similar work ethic and this-worldly asceticism to that of Calvinism, enabling Pentecostals to become upwardly mobile. This means that Pentecostalism functions as a modern ‘Protestant ethic’ to create a prosperous middle class who are leading economic development. Create a PEEL for this question Point – Evidence/Example – Link to a country Explain – Explain how it indicates a relationship between religion and economic development in the world today Analysis – Further evidence to support/ link to Calvinist belief/ extend with specialist terminology Link –