Sociology - Beliefs in society; Religious Fundamentalism

Sociology - Beliefs in society; Religious Fundamentalism

1. What is 'Fundamentalism'?

   • Anthony Giddens (1990; 91; 99) - "fundamentalists are traditionists who seek out to return to the basics of fundamentals in their faith. Religion as a fundamental meaning is seen to answer all and every question in life, and therefore turned to."
   • Religion taken to the basics and the absolute extreme of it's meanings
     • Islamic Revolution (1970)
     • The increase of Christian fundamentalist beliefs in America

2. Responses to Postmodernism

   • Zygmunt Bauman (1992)
     • Sees fundamentalism as a response to living in post-modernity. Post modern society brings freedom, choice, uncertainty and risk
   • Manuell Castells (1998)
     • Distinguishes between two responses of post-modernity
       • Resistant Identity: a defensive reaction from those who feel threatened and retreat to fundamentalist communities
       • Project Identity: the response of those who are forward - looking and engaging with social movements such as feminism and enviromentalism

3. Criticisms

   • Jeff Hayres (1998)
     • Agrees that we should not focus narrowly on the idea that Islamic fundamentalism is an action against globalisation - Criticise Steve Bruce
       • For example, in the Middle East, conflicts are also widely caused by local elites failing to deliver promises that could improve their lifestyle
   • Beckford (2003) - Criticises Giddens, Bauman and Castells
     • Distinguishing too sharply on cosmopolitananism and fundamentalism, ignoring 'hybrid movements'
     • being fixated on fundamentalism
     • Giddens 'lump' different types of fundamentalisms together, ignoring their differences
     • Giddens only focuses on Fundamentalism being a 'defensive' action where turning to religion could also be 'reflexive'

4. Monotheism and fundamentalism

   • Steve Bruce (2007) - sees that religious fundamentalism grows from where a religion is threatened and the lifestyle is also threatened
   • Bruce regards this as monotheism i.e. Catholics and Islam. This is where they soley revolve life around the religion and the religion dominates their life.
   • One Religion, One God, that's it!

5. Two types of Fundamentalism

   • In the West
     • Tends to involve choice and diversity; - such as the New Christian Right movements
     • Aim to reassert 'true' religion and restore it to the public role when it can shape the laws and morals of wider society
   • Third World
     • Triggered by modernisation and globalisation, in which 'Western' values are imposed on foreign capitalism
     • Seen as a movement against globalisation i.e. The Islamic Revolution