2. The Religion and Society
Religion serves as a complex institution influencing social structures, individual behavior, and moral guidance. The chapter explores the diverse roles of religion, including social integration, control, and its ability to inspire social change. Through the perspectives of sociologists like Durkheim, Weber, and Marx, the chapter examines both the stabilizing and transformative effects of religion in society. Additionally, it addresses the impact of secularization and globalization on religious practices in a diverse world.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices surrounding the sacred.
- It plays critical roles in social integration, control, purpose, and legitimizing social structures.
- Theories by Durkheim, Weber, and Marx offer varying insights into the interplay between religion, society, and social change.
Key Concepts
- -- Religion
- A system of beliefs and practices related to the sacred, often linked to a higher power or deity.
- -- Social Integration
- The process by which religion creates a sense of community and belonging among individuals.
- -- Secularization
- The process through which religion loses its influence in social, cultural, and political life.
- -- Religious Diversity
- The coexistence of multiple religions within a society, fostering multicultural environments.
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