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Explore the role of religion in society and its relevance for different social groups, which are central to the key concepts of Power, control and resistance, and Socialisation, culture and identity. Examine the contribution of religion to some of the most far-reaching economic, social and political transformations of our time, which links to the key concept of Social change and development. This will provide an opportunity to contrast structural and interactionist theories of religion, thereby drawing connections to the key concept of Structure and human agency.
Ways of defining religion.
Difficulties in measuring religious belief.
Social groups and religiosity, including class, gender, ethnicity and age.
Religion and other belief systems.
Religion can be understood through three broad ideas:
1. Beliefs - A set of beliefs that includes an idea (notion) of 'god', or some kind of supernatural force or being that exists beyond our direct experience.
2. Practices - A set of practices involving such things as:
3. Organisation - Some form of organisation that allows practices and beliefs to be expressed as a group (collectively). This includes:
McGuire (2002) suggests that religion has a 'dual character' – it is both individual and social.
On a social level, religions perform important functions:
The inclusive approach focuses on what religion does for the individual and society rather than what it is.
The exclusive approach considers religion in a narrower way, focusing on the content or substance.
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