SOC103H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 13: New Religious Movement, George Herbert Mead, Ufo Religion
Document Summary
Despite the increasing secularization of canadian society, religion continues to be one of its most significant social institutions. Religion explains the unexplainable; it brings aid and comfort to adherents; it brings people together and it also tears people apart. Emile durkheim noted that religion promotes social solidarity and social cohesion; it unites people through shared symbolism, values, and norms. Karl marx, on the other hand, viewed religion as a form of social control that supports social inequality. Max weber focused on the subjective meaning and personal experience of religion. He viewed religion as a way of making sense of a seemingly indifferent universe. He also noted that religious doctrines shape people"s world views, and in turn, their world views shape their secular behaviour. While religion may have lost much of its social relevance, the majority of canadians consider themselves either moderately or highly religious. In our multicultural society, religion is increasingly becoming diverse.
