Sociolisation: Religion

Sociolisation: Religion

1. Religion in Society

   • Religion is becoming more of a personal choice, rather than an influence
   • It is argued that religion in the UK is undergoing secularisation (becoming less religious)
   • Crocket (2005) studies the concept of believing in a religion and belonging to a religion. Crocket concluded there is a strong relationship between belief and belonging to a religious organisation.

2. Religion as an agent of Socialisation

   • Written rules, in books such as the Bible and the Quran, promote different moral codes and values in society.
     • An example may be Jewish people not eating pork.
   • Different religions have different figures of authority who they worship and acts as a role model for their followers.
     • An example may be christians believing in god.

3. Primary and Secondary Influences

   • Primary Socialisation is when religion is established from your family.
   • Secondary Socialisation is when the individual chooses their own religious views - these can be challenged by cultural diversity

4. Theory and Religion

   • Functionalists
     • Durkheim (1921) thinks a major function of religion is to socialize society's members into value consensus
       • e.g. influencing them with different religious symbols
   • Marxists
     • Describes religion as an ideological apparatus - this reflects the ruling-class ideas and interests