13. Secular Fundamentalism

• Secular fundamentalism

  Fundamentalist attitude that the organisation of a nation should follow a strict unified definition and not from person to person
• What did Bauman say about response to postmodernity?


  -Fundamentalism is a response to living in postmodernism, which brings freedom of choice and uncertainty

  -People often prefer fundamentalism for its idea of absolute truth
• What does Castells say are the 2 responses to postmodernity? What are they?


  -Resistance to Identity- Defensive reactions to those who feel threatened & retreat into fundamentalist communities

  -Project identity- response of those who like & engage with social movements like feminism etc
• What did Bruce say about secular fundamentalism? (2)


  -Fundamentalism doesn't have to be religious

  -Polytheistc religions are less likely to produce fundamentalists
• What did Giddens say about Cosmopolitanism?


  A way of thinking that embraces modernity and the changing, globalising nature of the world
• What does Beckford say to criticise Giddens, Bauman & Castells?


  -Distingush too sharply between fundamentalism and cosmopolitanism without considering 'hybrid' movements

  -They are 'fixated on fundamentalism' and ignore globalisation's effects on non-fundamentalists religions
• What does Bruce say about the 2 origins of fundamentalism?

  -The west- usually a reaction to change within a society, particularly trends towards diversity eg. the new christian right

  -Developing Countries- often a reaction to changes being forced upon a population by an external country
• Why do nations have secular fundamentalism?

  It preserves cultural identity and legitimises the exclusion of religious and cultural minorities which in turn promotes one group identity e.g. France
• The Clash of Civilisations- Huntington


  -View that religious differences are creating hostile relationships between civilisations

  -Played a large part in global conflicts e.g. 9/11
• What does Armstrong say to criticise 'The Clash of Civilisations'?


  Hostility to the west stems from a reaction to western policies implemented in the Middle East that create and support oppressive regimes, not fundamentalism

  -E.g. The West's support of Israel despite its aggressive treatment of Palestinians
• What's an example of Religious & Secular Fundamentalism?

  -Iran & France
• Monopoly of religion

  A belief with almost total control over a society's faith
• Hegemony

  Leadership or dominance