SOC101Y1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 13: Totem, Ope, Opiate
Document Summary
Religion is merely a social construction, like everything else, to a sociologist. Secularization: the changing process where religion plays less of a role in life. Religion: any system of beliefs about the supernatural, and the social groups that gather around these beliefs. 60% of canadian population still consider themselves either moderately or highly religious. New religious movements (nrm): groups and institutions comprising people who share similar religious or spiritual views about the world but who are not part of mainstream religious institutions. Not giving up religion but giving up traditional ways of practicing their beliefs. Church: any social location or building church, mosque, synagogue, or temple where people carry out religious rituals. Emile durkheim concerned with religion"s role in promoting social solidarity. Why religions are universal concluded that religion has power to bring people together. Religion perpetuates social solidarity by continually reaffirming people"s shared values. Thought that religion"s influence would decline as scientific and technological thinking replaced it.
