ethnicity

• evidence shows that ethnic minorities in the UK are more religious than the White British population for 2 reasons:

  1. community identity and cultural defence 2. social deprivation, marginality and status frustration
• community identity and cultural defence

  > Bruce suggests that higher religiosity among ethnic minorities is an assertion of identity and cohesion

  > Davie also suggests that religion maintains tradition, group cohesion and social solidarity

  • for ethnic minorities the mainstream is inhospitable- they have to create their own identity
• Social deprivation

  Marginality and status frustration
• Marx: 'Religion is the opium of the people'
• Theodicy of deprivilege

  Explains why many lower class and ethnic minorities partake in religious practice as it provides salvation
• Pakistani, Bangladesh and African Caribbeans live in poorer households, have higher levels of unemployment and face discrimination
• In 2020, nearly half of Black Afro Caribbean households were in poverty, compared to 1 in 5 white families
• BAME families are between 2 and 3 times as likely to be in poverty compared to white families
• What did O'Beirne's research suggest?

  Ethnic minorities see religion as a central element of their identity. Muslims saw religion as important as their family with regards to identity.
• What did Bird suggest?


  Pentecostalism rapidly rose in the UK due to racism in Anglican Churches in the 1950s. These were largely white and did not welcome other cultures
• Johal suggests?


  Religious identity is increasingly important in multi-cultural and multi-faith societies. Links to the idea that religious identity provides a sense of belonging and cultural identity.