Postmodernism

Reflexity

Giddens argues that postmodern life is characterized by new information changing peoples opinions due to the world becoming more closely connected. e.g. new diets telling people how to lose weight.

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Privatisation

What we see as right and wrong has become privatized. So many different viewpoints mean people have to make moral judgments using available information e.g. on homosexuality and war. Religion can no longer offer one explanation which accommodates all

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Disembeding

Due to globalisation and separation of space and time, people can create a personalized personality made up of parts of religion they like.

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Consumer freedom and advertising

Bauman- society driven by consumer freedom, driven by consumption of products. Religion is marketed against other moral and ethical codes.

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Theoretical Evaluation- Functionalist

Parsons agrees that religion offers a moral framework and functions to provide social control through ethical codes. However, Postmodernists disagree that religion performs the same function for all in society.

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Theoretical Evaluation- Contemporary thinkers

Criticize theoretically. Few postmodernists explain religion but adapt their theory to explain aspects of it. Giddens disagrees with the term Postmodernism, favoring post-modernity. However, postmodernist theory provides most up to date understanding

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Empirical Evaluation- Heelas

Supports Postmodernism. Large scale study of religiosity in Lake District town of Kendal. Found evidence of postmodern ' spiritual revolution'. Traditional religions were declining whereas alternative forms of spirituality increased e.g. personalised

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Empirical Evaluation- Gellner

Postmodernism is a form of cultural fashion. Abandon any attempt to document and test their explanation of society and are un-testable and un-sociological. Too ideological.

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Conclusion

Clear that profound changes have occurred in society, suggesting modern theories are outdated and new theories are needed. Contemporary arguments only cloud understanding of religious theory in society. Fundamentalism undermines pick and mix culture

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Key concepts

Modern ideas of Marx and Durkheim emphasize scientific explanations when attempting to understand how society operates. Criticize this and believe society has changed from modernity to post modernity.

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Postmodernism

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