A* religious fundamentalism could be seen as a response to modernity
Outline and explain two ways in which religious fundamentalism could be seen as a response to
modernity (10)
One way in which religious fundamentalism could be seen as a response to modernity is through
challenging Westernisation, religious fundamentalist groups have grown as a direct response to
Westernisation. They want to end Westernisation, as it has been forced upon them and goes against
their beliefs. For example, night clubs, sex before marriage and abortion. For example, Boko Haram
is an Islamic terrorist group in Nigeria Africa. Boko Haram means "Western education is forbidden"
they believe western culture is a corrupting influence. Thousands of school girls had been
kidnapped, forced to convert to Islam and marry Boko Haram fighters. Furthermore, by forcing
tradition on girls and impregnating them Boko Haram has made it their mission to stop the spread of
westernisation. They claim they should remain wives and stop girls from being educated. However,
its not about westernisation but about fixing the social inequality they're experiencing. Widespread
poverty and inequality in Nigeria caused young men to feel let down. Boko Haram offers another
way of gaining money and status.
Another way religious fundamentalism could be seen as a response to modernity is that they are, in
effect, protesting against modernity. If there was no modernity, there would be little or no need for
religious fundamentalism, as there would be no modern ways that they need to challenge. For
example, ISIS is an Islamic terrorist group who uses violence to remove modernity. They wish to
change society and go back to the basics of Islam, by taking as literal interpretation of the Qur'an.
They are adamant they are right and use the threat of violence to remove modernity. They view
modernity as polluting and damaging to their beliefs. However, there is an electronic
fundamentalism (contradiction) on one hand, they claim to be against modernity. On the other
hand, they are happy to use products of modernity to spread their message and attract new
members e.g. phones, social media.
A* Sects= working class
As stated in item A " Sects offer members hope that their lives will improve." Sects are said to offer a
'theodicy of deprivilege' which is a religious explanation for peoples suffering. Sects appeal to the
working class as they promise members things will get better. Sects provide explanations for their
unjust, unfair treatment, as well as giving member a stronger sense of status and security. The
working class feel like the sects 'get them', they understand their issues and hardships. For example,
The People's Temple, many working class people were drawn to Jim Jones who genuinely listened to
their concerns and made time for them, while mainstream society ignored their needs and issues.
The promise of a better life is very attractive and may be the only option left, quite literally a last
resort when unemployed and homeless, for example. Functionalists would argue sects promote
social solidarity, bringing together both the working class who share similar experiences, sects
integrate the members and offers a sense of belonging.
Another reason is because "sects can offer a means of protest." Protests are a way of overcoming
feeling of frustration and anger with their unfair treatment of wider society. The working class are
marginalised by mainstream society, they have no one to represent their needs. A sect finally
