Sociology Test 3 - book stuff

secularization

Some sociologists like Max Weber and Karl Marx anticipated that the modernization of society would bring about a decrease in the influence of religion. They believed membership in distinguished clubs would outpace membership in Protestant sects as a way for people to gain authority or respect. Some people suggest secularization is a root cause of many social problems, such as divorce, drug use, and educational downturn. Some scholars see the US becoming increasingly secular, while others observe a rise in fundamentalism.

mega churches

a Christian church that has a very large congregation averaging more than 2,000 people who attend regular weekly services. The church buildings resemble a sport or concert arena with jumbotrons, and contemporary worship music with drums and electric guitars. The buildings often have food courts, bookstores, sports and recreation facilities, and offer child care and mental health services. Typically a single, highly charismatic pastor leads the megachurch, mostly male. Some have a huge television presence and viewers all over the country watch and respond to their shows and fundraising. The churches have conservative theology, evangelism, use of technology, social networking, hugely charismatic leaders, and mostly white membership. Their main focuses are youth activities, community service, and study of the scripture.

symbolic interactionism applied to religion

beliefs and experiences aren't sacred unless individuals in a society regard them as sacred. Ex. Star of David in Judaism, cross in Christianity, and crescent and star in Islam are sacred symbols. Interactionists are interested in what these symbols communicate - interaction btw religious leaders and practitioners, role of religion in ordinary components of everyday life, and the ways people express religious values in social interactions are all topics of study to an interactionist.

social change - religion

Religion creates social change. The translation of sacred texts into everyday, non scholarly language empowered people to shape their religions. Disagreements between religious groups and instances of religious persecution led to wars and genocides. The US has seen religion be used as an agent of social change - the first European settlers were acting largely on religious convictions when they were compelled to settle in the US

symbolic interactionism applied to government

focuses its attention on figures, emblems, or individuals that represent power and authority. In the US - images that represent power and authority include the White House, eagle, and American flag. Symbolic interactionists are interested in face-to-face politics and interactions between the small groups who make decisions.

conflict theory applied to government

focuses on the social inequalities and power difference within a group. they view social structure as the cause of many social problems such as poverty and crime. Believe that conflict between groups struggling to attain wealth and power or keep the wealth and power they have is inevitable, conflict is the only way for the underprivileged to gain some measure of equality

voter participation - gender, class, and race issues

historically, African Americans and other minorities have been underrepresented at the polls. Black men couldn't vote until after the Civil War, and black women gained the right to vote along with other women only w the 19th amendment in 1920. African Americans were discouraged by discriminatory legislation which required poll taxes and literacy tests. In 2013, after the Supreme court repealed many aspects of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, many states put in voter ID laws that affected minorities and the poor, potentially prohibiting them from exercising their right to vote. Legal protection of voting rights doesn't directly translate into equal voting power, women and racial/ethnic minorities are underrepresented in the US congress. White males still dominate both houses. Social class also influences voting practices - voting rates among lower-educated, lower-paid workers are lower than for people w higher socioeconomic status. Ppl w more power and access to resources have the means to perpetuate their power. Workers in low-paying service jobs, often racial and ethnic minorities, may find it harder to get to the polls because their work hours aren't flexible and they lack daycare to look after children while they vote.

liberation theology

it began as a movement in the Roman Catholic Church in Latin America and combined Christian principles with political activism. used the church to promote social change via the political arena, and is most seen in attempts to reduce or eliminate social injustice, discrimination, and poverty. It began as a moral reaction against the poverty caused by social injustice, but today its an international movement that encompasses many churches and denominations. It sees theology from the POV of the poor and oppressed, and some interpret the scriptures as a call to action against poverty and injustice. Feminist theology has emerged from liberation theology as a movement to bring social injustice to women.

functionalism applied to government

the government has four main purposes: planning and directing society, meeting social needs, maintaining law and order, and managing international relations. They view government and politics as a way to enforce norms and regulate conflict, and seek consensus and order in society.

functionalism applied to religion

they believe that religion serves several functions in society, and that religion depends on society for its existence, value, and significance. Religion serves purposes such as providing answers to spiritual mysteries, offering emotional comfort, and creating a place for social interaction and social control. It defines the spiritual world and spiritual forces, answers questions about life, and creates opportunities for social interaction and the formation of groups. Provides social support and social networking and offers a place to meet others who hold similar values and a place to seek help. Also promotes social control: reinforces social norms such as how to dress, follow the law, and regulating sexual behavior.

conflict theory applied to religion

views religion as an institution that helps maintain patterns of social inequality. Ex. Vatican has lots of wealth and average income of catholic parishioners is small. Religion has been used to support the "divine right" of oppressive monarchs and to justify unequal social structures, like India's caste system. Religions promote the idea that believers should be satisfied with existing circumstances because they are divinely ordained. this has been used by christians to keep poor people poor and tell them that they shouldn't be concerned with what they lack bc their true reward is after death. Those in power in a religion can dictate practices, rituals, and beliefs through their interpretation of religious texts or via proclaimed direct communication from the divine.