Secularisation (1)

Secularisation (1)

1. How does Max Weber explain secularisation?

   • Max Weber argues that Western society has undergone a process of 'rationalisation' in the last few centuries (Rational ways of thinking and acting have come to replace religious ones)

2. What does Parsons mean by the term 'Structual Differentiation' & How does this explain secularisation?

   • Structual differentiation is a process of specialisation that occurs with the development of industrial society.
     • It leads to 'disengagement' of religion - its functions are transferred to other institutions, like the state & becomes disconnected from wider society: Religion loses its significance

3. In what regards does social & cultural diversity lead to greater secularisation?

   • In pre-industrial communities, shared values were expressed through collective religious rituals that integrated individuals & regulated their behaviour.
     • But when religion lost its basis in stable local communities, it lost its vitality & its hold over individuals, which shows that diversity in society & culture gives freedom to people to choose whether they want to follow the religion or not.

4. How does social & cultural diversity help explain secularisation?

   • Social & geographical mobility breaks up communities but also brings people together from many different backgrounds, creating even more diversity. Diversity of occupations, cultures & lifestyles undermines religion. Even those who remain religious can't avoid knowing many of those around them hold very different views

5. What is meant by the term 'Sacred Canopy'?

   • A set of beliefs shared by all