...Critically examine the relationship between different social groups and their religious beliefs and practice There are important differences between social groups and their religious participation and in the types of belief they hold. There are clear gender differences in religious beliefs and participation. Sociologists have put forward several explanations for gender differences in religious belief and practice however these tend to focus on the reasons for women’s relatively high levels of participation rather than men’s lower levels. While the priesthoods of most religions are male, more women than men participate in religious activities and believe in God. For example, in 2005, 1.8 million women in England were churchgoers, as against only 1.36 million men. Miller and Hoffman (1995) identify two main theories explaining women’s greater religiosity. Firstly there is differential socialisation where women are taught to be more submissive and passive than men and these characteristics are associated with being more religious. Traditional religions tend to expect their followers to be passive and obedient. The second theory is structural location where women take part in religion because of their social roles. Men are more likely to take on the instrumental role whereas the women take on the expressive role. This gives women more time for church-related jobs. However as sociologists go on to quote this research and take these factors into account they have criticised it...
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...Appendix D Sunday, July 22, 2012 Tamara Harrison University of Phoenix Material Appendix D Part I Define the following terms: Term | Definition | Ethnic group | People of the same race or nationality who share a distinctive culture | Anti-Semitism | An attitude or policy of hatred and hostility towards Jewish people | Islamophobia | Prejudice against Muslims | Xenophobia | An abnormal fear or hatred of foreigners and strange things | Persecution | The act of persecuting or the state of being persecuted | Religious group | Individuals involved with or employed in religious denominations or organized religious groups such as churches, synagogues, temples, or mosques. | Part II Select at least 1 religious and 1 ethnic/racial group not your own from the list below. * Religious groups (based on http://religions.pewforum.org/pdf/affiliations-all-traditions.pdf) * Christianity * Evangelical Protestant * Mainline Protestant * Historically Black Churches * Roman Catholic * Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) * Jehovah’s Witnesses * Orthodox (Greek, Eastern) * Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform) * Buddhism (Theravada or Mahayana) * Islam (Sunni, Shia, Sufism) * Hinduism * Racial/Ethnic groups (based on divisions in U.S. Census Bureau documents) * Asian (Asian descent) * Black (African descent) * Hispanic and Latino (South or Central American descent) ...
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...Discrimination The difference between Muslims and Arabs is ethnicity and religion. Arab defines the ethnic group and Muslim defines the religion practiced by an individual devoted to that particular belief. Arab people do not always practice the Muslim religion and not all Muslims are Arab. According to research and news reports within the past 2 years, the only policy I found pertained to racial profiling that announced citizens of countries considered terrorist active countries would undergo additional screening at airports (Voice of America, 2010). President Obama has been involved in discussions with Arab and Muslim American groups, but no true progress has occurred to limit or stop the discrimination. Two characteristics of Orientalism are lumping Arab & Muslim people into the same category with no distinction for the ethnic and religious differences and the general stereotype that Arab and Muslim people are not modern. Orientalism and prejudice contributes to hate crimes against these people because of the misunderstanding of the difference between the distinct differences in the cultures of the ethnic group and the religious beliefs of the ethnic groups. Such a vague definition of people living in the Orient can lead to confusion about the different fanatical religious groups inhabiting land in the Orient. Individuals can promote tolerance and reduce prejudice in their towns and cities by educating children early in life about the differences in cultures within...
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...Name: Course: Institution: Date: Ethnic Studies. Humans have since time immemorial always had a deeply rooted psychological and social need to belong or identify with a community or group that provides interaction with fellow humans, protection from external dangers and gives each member a sense of belonging. Ethnicity can be defined as a group of people who see themselves as unique or distinct from others due to imagined or real mutual history, values and traditions. These things set them apart or distinguish them from their neighbouring ethnicities. Ethnicity also entails the sharing of specific ethnic traits, backgrounds, associations, allegiances or affiliations. There are therefore innumerable ethnicities all over the world which are composed of groups of people bound together by a common factor among them all, which could be racial, cultural, religion, tribal, national, ideological or linguistic. With so many differences between the various ethnicities in their cultures, values, traditions and beliefs, conflict between them is ultimately inevitable. Ethnic groups are almost always never socially homogenous nor are they ever united politically. (Cornell, 39) Several divisive factors are always present within such groups e.g. differences in ideology, social status, class, and religion. When differences between ethnicities fail to spark conflict among them, a particularly dominant ethnicity may attempt to establish hegemony in an area. When the minority ethnicities get the...
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... | |Ethnic group |People of the same race or nationality who share a distinctive culture. | |Anti-Semitism |The intense dislike for and prejudice against Jewish people. | |Islamophobia |Prejudice against Muslims. | |Xenophobia |A fear of foreigners or strangers. | |Persecution |The act of persecuting (especially on the basis of race or religion) | |Religious group |A set of individuals whose identity as such is distinctive in terms of common religious creed, beliefs,| | |doctrines, practices, or rituals. | Definition of Ethnic Group, Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Xenophobia, and Persecution: WordNet. (2012). Retrieved from http://wordnet.princeton.edu/ Definition of Religious Group: The 'lectric law library. (1995 - 2012). Retrieved from http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/q028.htm Part II Select at least 1 religious and 1 ethnic/racial group not your own from the list below. • Religious groups (based on http://religions.pewforum.org/pdf/affiliations-all-traditions.pdf) ...
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...Religious and Ethnic Diversity ETH 125 University of Phoenix Mormonism is a uniquely American religion, have been founded by Joseph Smith Jr., of New York ("The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints", 2013). Mormonism originated in the 1820s, as described by the Church’s website, when Joseph Smith Jr. was confused and frustrated by the various Christian religions and was unable to choose one to follow. He turned to the Bible, which told him to ask God when he lacked wisdom. So he prayed to God, and was visited by the Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. According to one of the members of the governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Bruce McConkie (1958), “Mormonism is indistinguishable from Christianity”. However, there are some distinct differences between Mormonism and other Christian religions, and other religions in general. These differences have led to a history of discrimination and persecution, so much though that the Church today keeps many of its ceremonies, practices, and beliefs private. The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-Day Saints has had a vast impact on American culture which includes a recent Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney. The differences between Mormonism and Christianity are subtle. Mormons believe that their Church is the “True Church of Christ”. According to their scripture study publications, the Christian religion became corrupted during “The Great Apostasy” shortly after Christ’s death and resurrection...
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...28 April 2010 A wide range of interests, backgrounds, experiences. Differences among groups of people and individuals based on ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, gender, exceptionalities, language, religion, sexual orientation, and geographical area. Diversity of experiences, viewpoints, backgrounds, and life experiences. Tolerance of thought, ideas, people with differing viewpoints, backgrounds, and life experiences. Diversity can be measured across many variables -- age, race, sex, economics, geography, religion, philosophy, etc. variation in race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political leanings, professional and personal background Diversity in graduate school includes a group of people from different backgrounds (this can be many things not just racial). People with different skills and career interests and hobbies. People with different political points of view. Anything that sets one individual apart from another. However, often it is used to specifically reference gender, race, ethnicity, and more recently sexual orientation differences. Diversity is differences in racial and ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic, and academic/professional backgrounds. People with different opinions, backgrounds (degrees and social experience), religious beliefs, political beliefs, sexual orientations, heritage, and life experience. dissimilar My definition of diversity would include openness to differences among people, cultures and perspectives. Having a multitude of people...
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...Conflict The increase in ethnic conflicts around the world is a reality. The conflicts that arise from ethnicity-related factors now are as important as issues that substantially determine the course of international relations, such as political and economic globalization, the balance of power, regionalization, terrorism, and the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Ethnic conflicts can have an important religious dimension. Religion is potentially a very important element of ethnicity; in fact, some ethnic groups have their primary origin in religion. 5 The salience of religion to ethnicity is illustrated in Kashmir. The identification of an ethnic group is determined by common perceptions among its members. Conflict among these groups carries an ethnic quality to it. If there is a primary religious difference among the conflictual parties, ethnic conflict can assume a specifically religious dimension—labeled by Fox as ‘‘ethnoreligious’’ conflicts. 6 Kashmir is a prime example of this type of conflict. There are several definitions of ethnicity, ethnic conflict, and ethno-religious conflict. We have presented some definitions about ethnic and ethno-religious conflicts on which there is a fair consensus. However, there is no consensus among students of ethnic conflict as to the causes of these conflicts. To a certain extent, agreement exists that some combination of economic, political, and psychological factors can explain ethnic conflict. 7 However, the...
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...is a religion practiced by around 350 million people in the world. The practice of Buddhism is a journey that involves spiritual development, insight, and self-awareness. In fact, the word ‘Buddha’ means ‘one who is awake’. A Buddha is free from greed, hatred, and ignorance. The Buddhist religion teaches people to be fully responsible for their lives. Buddhists believe every action has a consequence, and change can be made. Buddhism differs from other religious groups in many ways. First, there is no almighty God in Buddhism. Buddhists do not believe in heaven and hell, or judgment day. The idea of sin does not exist in Buddhism. In addition, the relationship between a Buddha and his disciples is that of a teacher/student, not a God and his followers. Another difference between Buddhism and other religions is there is no savior concept. A Buddha does not have the ability to wash away impurities. They believe in cause and effect. There is an action, and a reaction. Also, the concept of “Hell” is different in the Buddhist religion. Buddhist does not believe that “Hell” is a consequence, or eternal damnation. Instead, it is one of the six realms of Samsara (the worst of three undesirable realms). Samsara is a fundamental concept of Buddhism. It is the ‘perpetual cycles of existence; or endless rounds of rebirth among the six realms of existence. Because Buddhists practice self-awareness, enlightenment, and responsibility they do not judge other religions. ...
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...There are clear gender differences in religious belief and participation; while priesthoods of most religions are male which means women are more likely to participate in activities and have belief in god and the supernatural. For example in 2005 1.8 million women in England were church goers, compared to just 1.36 million men. Miller and Hoffman (1995) found women express greater interest in religion; they have a greater personal commitment and go to church more. They found that this was true for all religious organisations, ages and faiths. Bruce (1996) estimated there are twice as many women than men in sects. Heelas and Woodhead (2005) found in their study of Kendal 80% of holistic milieu participants were female. This shows that gender differences can be linked to the way men and women see god; as a god of power and control or a god of love and forgiveness. Sociologists have given several arguments for gender differences in religious belief and practice. Miller and Hoffman argue women are more religious as they’re socialised to be more passive, obedient and caring. Religion values all of these characteristics, thus women are more likely than men to be attracted to religion. Miller and Hoffman also argue that women are more likely than men to be employed in part time work or be full time carers, thus they have more time to organise around religious activities. Greely argues taking care of other family member’s increases women’s religiosity as they have responsibility to their...
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...According to Chapter one of the textbook (Schaefer, 2011), the dimension of cultural diversity groups is: racial groups, ethnicity groups, religion groups, gender groups. The other dimensions of culture diversity that also categorize other groups are set apart on the basis of age, disability status, physical appearance, and sexual orientation. These groups share five characteristics, “unequal treatment, distinguishing physical or cultural traits, involuntary membership, awareness of subordination, and in-group marriage” (Schaefer, 2011) Race group, is the group known by obvious physical differences. In society today’s, people classified, and classify others by skin color, they either Black or White. Ethnicity group are” set apart from others because of its national origin or distinctive cultural patterns” (Schaefer, 2011) the culture traits such as language, strong belief, food, traditions, and habits make this a dominant group on the foundation of cultural. Religion and gender groups; Religion groups are associations set apart from the dominant religion and gender group, male and female are set apart on the basis of sex. “An ethnic group is a group of people whose members identify with each other, through a common heritage, common language, a common culture, religion and interest in a homeland connected with a specific geographical area, traditions, food preferences...
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...Religious & Ethnic Groups Latoya Ibanez ETH/125 08/21/2015 Ms. Debra Bloom Religious and Ethnic Groups America has changed from the nation it what it was once, a Nation where Christianity was the primary religion and our borders were not open to outsiders. Through the years many have migrated to America making our Nation today, the most diverse Nation, and not just in regards to ethnicity but religion as well. What is it that differs from one religion to the other? What causes people to discriminate against other races? Could it be the lack of information regarding other religions and ethnicities? We can start by comparing Buddhism and Asian decent and see what differences they have compared to other religions and ethnicities. Buddhism has made it’s was to America, and although many have already accepted much of its teaching others stand skeptical and feel it threatens their own beliefs. One of the differences between Buddhism and many of the other known religions is that they do not have a higher being, or one that they answer to (“Buddhism-Differences,1996). They do not believe that they need a higher being to make amends for their wrongs. These specific beliefs are very different from those of other beliefs, whereas they have a god, higher being and believe you must do something to atone for your wrongs. The fact is that there are major differences between each religion, whether we choose to accept them is another thing. Although many are unaware...
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... | |Ethnic group |A group of people who identify with each other by way of language, heritage, culture and religion | |Anti-Semitism |Suspicion of, hatred toward, or discriminating against the Jewish community | |Islamophobia |Describes prejudice against, hatred or irrational fear of Islam or Muslims | |Xenophobia |An unreasonable fear of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange | |Persecution |The systematic mistreatment of an individual or group by another group | |Religious group |A subgroup within a religion that operates under a common name, trandition and identity. | Part II Select at least 1 religious and 1 ethnic group not your own from the list below. Religious groups (based on http://religions.pewforum.org/pdf/affiliations-all-traditions.pdf) Christianity Evangelical Protestant Mainline Protestant Historically Black Churches Roman Catholic Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) Jehovah’s Witnesses Orthodox (Greek, Eastern) Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform) Buddhism (Theravada or Mahayana) Islam (Sunni, Shia, Sufism) Hinduism Ethnic groups (based on divisions in U.S. Census Bureau documents) Asian (Asian descent) Black (African...
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...Term | Definition | Ethnic group | A group of people who identify with each other by way of language, heritage, culture, and religion. | Anti-Semitism | Suspicion of, hatred toward, or discriminating against the Jewish community. | Islamophobia | Describes prejudice against, hatred or irrational fear of Islam or Muslims. | Xenophobia | An unreasonable fear of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange. | Persecution | The systematic mistreatment of an individual or group by another group. | Religious group | A subgroup within a religion that operates under a common name, tradition, and identity. | Part II Select at least 1 religious and 1 ethnic group not your own from the list below. * Religious groups (based on http://religions.pewforum.org/pdf/affiliations-all-traditions.pdf) * Christianity * Evangelical Protestant * Mainline Protestant * Historically Black Churches * Roman Catholic * Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) * Jehovah’s Witnesses * Orthodox (Greek, Eastern) * Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform) * Buddhism (Theravada or Mahayana) * Islam (Sunni, Shia, Sufism) * Hinduism * Ethnic groups (based on divisions in U.S. Census Bureau documents) * Asian (Asian descent) * Black (African descent) * Hispanic and Latino (South or Central American descent) * Pacific Islander (Polynesian descent) * White (European descent) ...
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...organised group, whereas others express their beliefs through membership of a religious organisation. Troeltsch distinguished between two main types of religious organisations – the church and the sect. Churches are large organisations with millions of members, run by a bureaucratic hierarchy of priests, who claim a monopoly of the truth. Churches are universalistic aiming to include the whole of society as they place few demands on their members. However people of the higher class tend to be more attracted as they are ideologically conservative and are often close linked to the state. Sects are small exclusive groups opposed to wider society, expecting a high level of commitment from its members. Sects tend to draw their members from the poor and oppressed, many of the sects are led by charismatic leaders. The only similarity between churches and sects is that they both believe they have a monopoly of religious truth. Sects are often short lived organisations only lasting a single generation or less. As well as churches and sects. Sociologists have identified other types of religious organisations such as denominations and cults. Niebuhr describes denominations as lying midway between churches and sects. Membership for denominations is less exclusive compared to sects however they don’t appeal to the whole of society like churches. Denominations largely accept society’s values, and they impose minor restrictions on members, like forbidding alcohol. Cults are small groups who share...
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