Secularization

Definition

Secularization is the process by which religious institutions, practices, and worldviews lose their social and cultural significance, influence, and authority in a society. It involves the decline of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions in public life, as well as the separation of religion from various aspects of society, such as politics, education, and the economy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secularization is often associated with the rise of modernity, industrialization, and the growth of science and technology, which challenge traditional religious worldviews.
2. The process of secularization can lead to a decline in religious affiliation, attendance, and the influence of religious institutions in various aspects of society.
3. Secularization can be seen as a shift from a society where belief in God is central and taken for granted, to one where it is increasingly difficult to maintain such belief.
4. The concept of secularization is important in the study of anthropology, as it helps to understand the changing role and influence of religion in different cultural and social contexts.
5. Secularization is a complex and multifaceted process that can take different forms and have varying degrees of impact in different societies and historical periods.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of secularization relates to the anthropological approach of holism.
  • The concept of secularization is closely related to the anthropological approach of holism, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of various aspects of a culture or society. Secularization involves the declining influence of religion in public life, and this shift can have rippling effects on other cultural, social, and political domains. By understanding secularization as a holistic process, anthropologists can examine how the separation of religion from various spheres of society, such as education, politics, and the economy, can reshape the overall cultural landscape and the way individuals and communities engage with and make sense of the world around them.
• Discuss how the concept of secularization relates to the societal changes associated with industrialism and postmodernity.
  • The process of secularization is closely linked to the societal transformations brought about by industrialism and postmodernity. The rise of industrialization and the growth of urban centers often coincide with a decline in the influence of traditional religious institutions and the emergence of more secular worldviews. As societies become more technologically advanced and economically prosperous, individuals may turn away from religious beliefs and practices, and the state may become more secular in its policies and institutions. Furthermore, the postmodern era, characterized by pluralism, individualism, and the questioning of grand narratives, has contributed to the further erosion of the public role of religion, leading to the privatization of religious beliefs and the diversification of spiritual and religious expressions.
• Analyze how the concept of secularization relates to the anthropological understanding of what constitutes religion.
  • The concept of secularization is closely tied to the anthropological understanding of religion. As societies become more secularized, the traditional boundaries and definitions of religion may shift, and the role of religion in shaping cultural and social norms may diminish. Anthropologists, through their holistic approach, can examine how secularization affects the ways in which individuals and communities conceptualize and engage with the sacred, the supernatural, and the divine. This may involve the emergence of new forms of spirituality, the transformation of religious practices, or the increasing marginalization of organized religion in public life. By analyzing the relationship between secularization and the anthropological understanding of religion, researchers can gain insights into the evolving nature of religious belief and expression in diverse cultural contexts.

Related terms

Secularism: The principle of separation of religious institutions and religious matters from state affairs and public education.

Desacralization: The process of removing the sacred or divine character from something, making it profane or secular.

Privatization of Religion: The confinement of religious beliefs and practices to the private sphere, away from public life and institutions.