Topic 5: R in a global context
R Fundamentalism
In a global context the issue of R fundamentalism has emerged as a major area of media + political concern
The characteristics of Features of Fundamentalism
fundamentalism 1) Authoritative sacred text – The divine truth (Christian F the bible-virgin birth of Jesus) intolerant of all views refusing to engage in rational argument
© ALDRIDGE: no text speaks for itself in reality what F hold to be true is the interpretation of its meaning
F appeal to tradition Bible- considered set of historical facts + prophecies on the future ignoring symbolism + metaphor
the “golden age” of 2) “Us + them mentality”- F separate themselves from the rest of the world + re fuse to compromise /DAVIE: establish islands of certainty against social +
past R returning th cultural chaos
the basis of their faith 3) Aggressive reaction- F movements aim to draw attention to the threat of their beliefs + values, reactions are aggressive + intended to shock intimidate +
cause harm
Arises when 4) Use of modern technology- Oppose modern culture corrupted by secularism, liberalism, materialism, permissiveness, + promiscuity use internet to achieve
traditional beliefs are their aim (televangelism)
threatened by 5) Patriarchy /HAWLEY: F favour world in which control over woman’s sexuality reproductive powers + social + economic roles is fixed for all time by divine
modsoc especially decree
under the impact of 6) Prophecy- relevance of biblical prophecies to contemporary events (Christian F “last days” upon us dead will be resurrected + transported to heaven)
an increasingly 7) Conspiracy theory- F attracted to the idea that powerful; hidden evil forces + organisations are in control of human destiny (Jews are conspiring to secure
globalised economy world domination)
Fundamentalism + DAVIE: F occurs when those who hold traditional orthodox beliefs + values are threatened by modernity + feel the need to protect themselves against it “products of
modernity modernity – clash of culture”
GIDDENS: F is a product of + reaction to G which undermines traditional social norms concerning the TCNF due to paradigm shifts
© BECKFORD BECK: Risk society causing instability dogmatic F beliefs provide certainty
Distinguish Sharpley cosmopolitanism: embrace modernity (reflexive thinking)
between F+C ignoring Justify views with rational evidence not appealing to sacred text favours pursuit of personal meaning + self-improvement rather than prescription of external R
hybrid movements authority
NRM
Response to postmodernity Monotheism + F (Hinduism described as collection of Rs)
BAUMAN: absolute truth + certainty Bruce: F occurs from the belief in one God as the notion of God is revealed through a single
CASTELLES: resistance / project identity authoritative text by contrast polytheistic Rs lacks all powerful deity allowing scope for
Different interpretations non have an override claim of the legitimate absolute truth
Two 1) In the west- F is a reaction to change taking place within a society such as the trend towards diversity + choice which is typical of late modsoc (New Christian
fundamentalisms right opposed to family diversity + sexual permissiveness + gender equality + abortion rights + secular education)
R Fundamentalism
In a global context the issue of R fundamentalism has emerged as a major area of media + political concern
The characteristics of Features of Fundamentalism
fundamentalism 1) Authoritative sacred text – The divine truth (Christian F the bible-virgin birth of Jesus) intolerant of all views refusing to engage in rational argument
© ALDRIDGE: no text speaks for itself in reality what F hold to be true is the interpretation of its meaning
F appeal to tradition Bible- considered set of historical facts + prophecies on the future ignoring symbolism + metaphor
the “golden age” of 2) “Us + them mentality”- F separate themselves from the rest of the world + re fuse to compromise /DAVIE: establish islands of certainty against social +
past R returning th cultural chaos
the basis of their faith 3) Aggressive reaction- F movements aim to draw attention to the threat of their beliefs + values, reactions are aggressive + intended to shock intimidate +
cause harm
Arises when 4) Use of modern technology- Oppose modern culture corrupted by secularism, liberalism, materialism, permissiveness, + promiscuity use internet to achieve
traditional beliefs are their aim (televangelism)
threatened by 5) Patriarchy /HAWLEY: F favour world in which control over woman’s sexuality reproductive powers + social + economic roles is fixed for all time by divine
modsoc especially decree
under the impact of 6) Prophecy- relevance of biblical prophecies to contemporary events (Christian F “last days” upon us dead will be resurrected + transported to heaven)
an increasingly 7) Conspiracy theory- F attracted to the idea that powerful; hidden evil forces + organisations are in control of human destiny (Jews are conspiring to secure
globalised economy world domination)
Fundamentalism + DAVIE: F occurs when those who hold traditional orthodox beliefs + values are threatened by modernity + feel the need to protect themselves against it “products of
modernity modernity – clash of culture”
GIDDENS: F is a product of + reaction to G which undermines traditional social norms concerning the TCNF due to paradigm shifts
© BECKFORD BECK: Risk society causing instability dogmatic F beliefs provide certainty
Distinguish Sharpley cosmopolitanism: embrace modernity (reflexive thinking)
between F+C ignoring Justify views with rational evidence not appealing to sacred text favours pursuit of personal meaning + self-improvement rather than prescription of external R
hybrid movements authority
NRM
Response to postmodernity Monotheism + F (Hinduism described as collection of Rs)
BAUMAN: absolute truth + certainty Bruce: F occurs from the belief in one God as the notion of God is revealed through a single
CASTELLES: resistance / project identity authoritative text by contrast polytheistic Rs lacks all powerful deity allowing scope for
Different interpretations non have an override claim of the legitimate absolute truth
Two 1) In the west- F is a reaction to change taking place within a society such as the trend towards diversity + choice which is typical of late modsoc (New Christian
fundamentalisms right opposed to family diversity + sexual permissiveness + gender equality + abortion rights + secular education)
