Sociology: Fundamentalism.

· Fundamentalists- Believed that the scriptures must be understood literally; they provide answers to lifes important questions.
· Avoid others who think differently.
· Family goes against fundamentalism by any type of diversity (e.g single parent families)
· Gender goes against fundamentalism by womans rights
· Sexuality goes against fundamentalism by homosexuality being against original scriptures (e.g the Bible)
· Fundamentalism brings certainty to an uncertain world by believing certain things WILL happen; no need to worry about things they're certain about (e.g the afterlife)

Giddens: Cosmopolitanism
· opposite to fundamentalism
· embraces the modern world
· tolerant of the others views by using rational arguments
· emphasises self improvement
Castells (1998) two responses to postmodernity
· Resistant identity: a defence reaction to those who feel threatened and retreat into fundamentalist communities
· Project identity: response of those who are forward looking and engage with social movements such as feminism and environmentalism
Characteristics of fundamentalism
· religious texts are seen as perfect: are read literally (Bible, Qu'ran, Torah). One consequence is that fundamentalism rejects religious religious pluralism (multiple religions). This has important implications for what schools teach.
· There is a profound rejection of modern society. Modern society is seen as morally corupt. Living in the modern world is seen as problematic because of the variety of choice. Fundamentalists reject the idea of choice and assert the value of tradition.
· activism is strongly encouraged. Fundamentalists are vocal in their struggle of good against evil; media images often focus on fundamentalists protesting against modernity.
· fundamentalism reinforces nationalism. Fundamentalists often appeal to deep seated fears of "strangers". Narendra Modi is the chief minister of Gujarat state. Human rights groups have blamed the massacre of over 1,000 muslims in 2002 on his inflammatory speeches.
· Fundamentalists have a political agenda. Absolute opposition to homosexuals, abortion and birth control. One social movement in particular is seen as the source of moral and social decline. In England, this is the benefit class.
Explaining the appeal of fundamentalism
· Marketing; fundamentalist groups have been very successful in making ancient beliefs relevant in contemporary society. One factor is the use of technology.
· Totalism: Fundamentalist groups have been very successful in integrating faith into all areas of life, not just periodic worship. Organisations such as southern baptist convention support the political right and have gained access to state funds to promote their religious ideas.
· Personal transformation. Fundamentalist groups have drawn in members from all social groups because of its promise of a direct spiritual experience. Salvation and communion are at the heart of a fundamentalist's life.
· Grassroots Involvement. Fundamentalist groups are populist and non-elitist, with a DIY ethos. Groups often have a "flattened hierarchy" where active involvement is encouraged and personal healing sought after.
· Certainty in a world of choice. Fundamentalist groups appeal to those who seek a moral anchor in a world of unlimited choice. Modernity creates moral ambiguity - a profusion of choices and a lack of guidance. Fundamentalist religon is an antidote to this.
CRITICISMS.
· Beckford (2003). Ignore hybrid movements;
· Fixated on fundamentalism - ignores how globalisation affects non-fundamentalist religons.
· Groups all fundamentalists together.
Two Fundamentalisms: Bruce.
· In the west - Often a reaction to change within society; Gay people having babies.
· In the third world - Often a reaction to change thrust upon them; got rid of the death penalty in certain africian countries.