Unit 2690: Religion and Society

1. Introduction to Religion and Society

• Definition and scope of religion
• Overview of society and social structures
• Interrelationship between religion and society
• Impact of religious beliefs and practices on social norms and interactions

2. Theoretical Perspectives on Religion

• Functionalism
  • Religion as social glue
  • Functions: social cohesion, social control, meaning and purpose
• Conflict Theory
  • Religion as a tool for oppression or control
  • Religion and social inequality
• Symbolic Interactionism
  • Meaning-making through religious symbols
  • Role of rituals and religious experiences

3. Religious Diversity and Pluralism

• Definition of religious diversity and pluralism
• Historical and contemporary examples of religious pluralism
• Religious tolerance and challenges
• Social conflicts arising from religious differences
• Strategies for peaceful coexistence

4. Religion and Social Change

• Role of religious movements in social reform
• Examples of religious activism and resistance
• Religion as a catalyst for social transformation
• Case studies of significant religiously motivated social change

5. Religion and Politics

• Intersection of religion and political ideology
• Influence of religion on policy-making and governance
• Voting behavior shaped by religious beliefs
• Religion in nationalist and identity politics

6. Gender and Religion

• Gender roles within various religious traditions
• Women’s roles and leadership in religious institutions
• LGBTQ+ perspectives and challenges within religion
• Feminist critiques and reform movements in religion

7. Religion and Globalization

• Spread of religions through globalization
• Transnational religious movements
• Impact of global communication and migration on religious practices
• Conflicts and cooperation across borders related to religion

8. Secularism and Atheism

• Definitions and historical development
• Rise of secularism in modern societies
• Challenges posed to traditional religious institutions
• Social and cultural implications of atheism

9. Religion and Social Justice

• Religious foundations of social justice principles
• Role of faith-based organizations in poverty alleviation and human rights
• Case studies of religious activism addressing inequality
• Critiques and debates within religion on social justice issues

10. Religion and Technology

• Influence of technology on religious expression and community
• Use of social media, online platforms, and virtual communities
• Technology’s role in spreading religious ideas and conflicts
• Ethical considerations and future trends