Social Class & Religious Beliefs

• What are the key differences in relation to religious belief and social class?

  Overall religiosity and membership practices
• What traditional view exists about religiosity among social classes?

  Religiosity was stronger among the working class
• What is Weber's idea related to religiosity and social class?

  Theodicy of disprivilege
• According to Marxists, what is the purpose of religion for the ruling class?

  To legitimize their position and success
• How do Marxists view the function of religion for the working class?

  It offers hope for reward in the afterlife
• What evidence suggests a shift in religiosity among social classes?

  Higher religiosity among the middle class
• What percentage of churchgoers were reported as middle class in a 2015 survey?

  62%
• What is one possible explanation for higher religiosity among the middle class?

  Religion offers opportunities for social networking
• How does the Anglican Church's social class affiliation differ from other churches in the UK?

  It is much more middle class than others
• Why is the Anglican Church seen as the religion of the ruling class?

  It is the established church in the UK
• What is a notable characteristic of the Anglican Church today?

  It often takes anti-establishment positions
• Which religion is described as overwhelmingly middle class and politically radical?

  Quaker religion
• What social class is the Roman Catholic Church associated with in the UK?

  Working class
• What demographic factors contribute to the working-class affiliation of the Roman Catholic Church?

  Predominance in migrant communities
• How does the political affiliation of Catholics in the UK differ from Anglicans?

  Catholics are more likely to be Labour voters
• In what geographical areas is Methodism more prevalent?

  Industrial areas of the north of England
• Why is Methodism associated with the working class?

  Its history as a sect appeals to them
• What social class do many New Age movements and cults appeal to?

  Middle class
• What concept did Bruce (1995) associate with spiritual needs and material needs?

  Spiritual needs are more important when material needs are few
• What are the reasons for religiosity among the working class?

  • Theodicy of Disprivilege
  • Financial/social support and welfare
  • Sense of belonging and community
• What are the reasons for religiosity among the middle class?

  • Spiritual deprivation / relative deprivation
  • Social networking
  • Tradition and social desirability
• What types of religious activity are most likely among the working class?

  • Traditional churches
  • Denominations like Methodism
• What types of religious activity are most likely among the middle class?

  • Cults
  • New Age movements