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The Sociology of Religion. Durkheim (1912) a classical sociologist .
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Durkheim (1912) a classical sociologist • A unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden – beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community called a Church, all those who adhere to them. Source: Aldridge, 2004, pg 8
What is it actually to be religious? • What does it really mean to be religious • Do you have to do anything? • Do you have to believe in anything religious? • Is it a clear cut thing • YES I am religious, NO I am not religious
Religiosity • How religious a society is, looking at, for example, beliefs and practices
Current Beliefs • Some people now believe without belonging (Davie 1994) • Consider that religions are maybe retreating from public awareness, its more privatised? • Or is it declining?
Religious Belief • Day (2007) conducted research into what people believed in and why some people who said they were Christians weren’t sure if God existed. Findings categorised: • Adherent Christians • Natal Christians • Ethnic Christians • Aspirational Christians
Children & Religious BeliefGarrod (2006) • School cut across religious boundaries for different religions and ethnic backgrounds Children's experience fell into : • Religious identity • Social practice • Belief and spirituality
Children & Religious BeliefGarrod (2006) Children belonged to the following groups: • Highly observant • Observant • Occasionally participating • Impact individual faith • Not religious
Religious Belief • Census • 2001 vs 2011 • What are the changes in these two? • What are the Christian figures? • What is the biggest non Christian category?
Issues with Statistics • Social construction • Reliability • Historical data gathering differs to today’s methods, not replicable • Validity of data • Different religions use different criteria to record membership (figures to whose benefit) • Interpretations of religiosity • Reasons behind while they are religious • Companionship/friendships
Religious Commitment- Homework • How do individuals show their religious commitment? • Give 3 examples of religious commitment illustrated through dress • Give 3 examples of religious commitment shown through following a religious code of conduct