LU3: T1&2
work: central role in economic and social life, influences an individuals place in society as well as status
Theme 1
Religion: functional - a system of beliefs and practices by which a group of individuals struggles with the issues of life
substance - a system of beliefs and practices which a group of people interprets and responds to what their meaning of sacred and supernatural is.
sect - religious organisation which emphasizes emotions and personal spiritual experiences
cult - religious groups void of organisation and receiving their inspiration from external dominant religious culture
defines rites of passage, provides moral significance and standards
sociological perspectives: :
Sociologists see religion as a social phenomenon
Sociologists do not focus on the personal, spiritual or psychological factors which motivate religion.
Sociologists view religion as a fundamental part within the functioning of society and as a phenomenon that can be studied.
Sociologists are interested in the wide variety of social forms which religion demonstrates.
Sociologists view religion as an institution which is an integral part of society and also a source that provides deep-seated norms and values.
functions of religion:
Religion can promote social cohesion as well as a sense of belonging.
Religion solidifies society’s norms and values.
Religion adds meaning to human life.
Religion provides family life special meaning.
Religion can play an vital in legitimizing the authority of government.
types of religious organisations:
Monotheist
Polytheist
Transcendental idealism
Ancestor worship
Animism
Totemism
religious categories:
Church
Denomination
Sect
Cult
Countercultural cults
Personal growth cults
Neo-christian cults
development of religions in SA:
religions introduced as a result of immigration
Indigenous beliefs
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Missionary activities :
Binary Tension
Dynamic relationship
family: descendants of a common ancestor
household: group of people sharing living quarters
family and household theories:
Structural Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Feminist theories
Rational choice and Social exchange theory
Life Course approach
inter-generational relations:
childhood and youth
parenthood
grandparenthood
motherhood
fatherhood
importance of work in the preindustrial, industrial, and post-industrial societies
industrial: machines dominated work and people became slaves to bigger and more efficient machines that mass produced goods
postindustrial: technologies of the post-industrial age powerfully shape our lives. Electronic and informational age.
preindustrial: extended family, clan, tribe or immediate community, senior members made decisions. Division of labour was based on gender. homogeneous society and the surplus produced was shared
capitalism: economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, and not by the government
government: group of individuals in legislature, parliament and executive who hole the power to make and enforce laws for a country
state: form of political association which subsumes all other forms to regulate society.
state and society:
power: ability of individuals to make their concerns add value even where others resist
states and government are to be understood within relation to domination and struggle
state and government
notion of state-form: emphasizes maximizing economic growth and profit at the expense of human basic needs
states in the current world are associated with nations and are part of the legislative, executive and judiciary
segregation and apartheid in SA:
post-apartheid SA:
intra-white conflict
social and political reform
colonisation
progressive constitution
liberal democracy - free and fair elections