AQA A Level Sociology: Beliefs in Society:
Secularisation.
Secularisation is the declining importance of religion. Some
Sociologists argue that within the UK, religious beliefs and
organisations are losing significance. Fewer people are attending
churches than ever before and there are smaller numbers of religious
ceremonies such as weddings. However, others argue that religion is
not losing importance. This only appears to be the case because the
way people interact with religions changing over time. (20 marks )
Secularisation is the decline of religion beliefs and practices in society. The
Census in 2011 shows that between 2001-2011 there was a decrease in the
number of people who identified as Christian. It dropped from 71% to 59%.
Whereas people who identified as not religious rose 25%. This shows that as
religion’s influence decreases, the amount of people identifying as non-religious
is increasing. Bruce believes that “religious beliefs” are losing significance in the
Western society. This is particularly due to structural changes like rationalisation
and the rise of scientific explanation of society. Bruce argues how in the Middle
Ages Christianity dominated most of people’s lives such as in the form of church,
marriage and education. The church held a lot of power and even governed
morality and social order.
However, as society has progressed such in the 17 th –18th century in the
enlightenment period, religion has declined. As people increasingly sought
scientific explanation for major areas of society (e.g. how the earth was created),
religion has become less significant. Rationalisation and urbanisation have also
led to the decrease in religion influence. With more religious freedom there has
been an increase in individualism meaning people aren’t replying on religion and
community as much as they used to.
Furthermore, we show Christianity to be declining through the decrease in
church attendance and identifying as religious and the declining influence of
Christian views on public life. Bruce, therefore, demonstrates how Christianity is
declining.
One strength of Bruce’s theory is that it is supported by empirical evidence. The
Census 2011 shows how Christianity has declined by over 10% in a 10-year
period. Overcoverage of religion during major social changes such as COVID and
during times of hardship (many secular people may turn to religion) may show
importance of religion in Western societies. Another strength of Bruce’s theory is
that it agrees that religion may still be influential in other areas of the world,
such as Eastern societies where religion is more of social expectation.
On the other hand, Sociology is seen as too one sided, based on the way that
people interpret what religion is. Stark believes that religion will remain
important in people’s lives. For example, Bruce neglects the dominance of
religion in non-Western societies. Stark and Bainbridge argue that in more
prosperous times people are more likely to turn away from religion and instead
focus on individualism and personal success. However, in times of struggle,
Secularisation.
Secularisation is the declining importance of religion. Some
Sociologists argue that within the UK, religious beliefs and
organisations are losing significance. Fewer people are attending
churches than ever before and there are smaller numbers of religious
ceremonies such as weddings. However, others argue that religion is
not losing importance. This only appears to be the case because the
way people interact with religions changing over time. (20 marks )
Secularisation is the decline of religion beliefs and practices in society. The
Census in 2011 shows that between 2001-2011 there was a decrease in the
number of people who identified as Christian. It dropped from 71% to 59%.
Whereas people who identified as not religious rose 25%. This shows that as
religion’s influence decreases, the amount of people identifying as non-religious
is increasing. Bruce believes that “religious beliefs” are losing significance in the
Western society. This is particularly due to structural changes like rationalisation
and the rise of scientific explanation of society. Bruce argues how in the Middle
Ages Christianity dominated most of people’s lives such as in the form of church,
marriage and education. The church held a lot of power and even governed
morality and social order.
However, as society has progressed such in the 17 th –18th century in the
enlightenment period, religion has declined. As people increasingly sought
scientific explanation for major areas of society (e.g. how the earth was created),
religion has become less significant. Rationalisation and urbanisation have also
led to the decrease in religion influence. With more religious freedom there has
been an increase in individualism meaning people aren’t replying on religion and
community as much as they used to.
Furthermore, we show Christianity to be declining through the decrease in
church attendance and identifying as religious and the declining influence of
Christian views on public life. Bruce, therefore, demonstrates how Christianity is
declining.
One strength of Bruce’s theory is that it is supported by empirical evidence. The
Census 2011 shows how Christianity has declined by over 10% in a 10-year
period. Overcoverage of religion during major social changes such as COVID and
during times of hardship (many secular people may turn to religion) may show
importance of religion in Western societies. Another strength of Bruce’s theory is
that it agrees that religion may still be influential in other areas of the world,
such as Eastern societies where religion is more of social expectation.
On the other hand, Sociology is seen as too one sided, based on the way that
people interpret what religion is. Stark believes that religion will remain
important in people’s lives. For example, Bruce neglects the dominance of
religion in non-Western societies. Stark and Bainbridge argue that in more
prosperous times people are more likely to turn away from religion and instead
focus on individualism and personal success. However, in times of struggle,
