Secularisation is the diminishing influence of religion on social life, analyzed through belief, behavior, and belonging. Sociologists measure this shift using surveys and demographic studies, assessing the prevalence of religious beliefs, practices, and institutional roles. The UK's notable decline in Christian affiliation and rise in non-religious individuals exemplifies this trend, influenced by rationalisation, industrialisation, and religious pluralism.
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Sociologist Bryan Wilson defines secularisation as the decline of religious influence on thinking, practices, and institutions
Scholars examine the participation in religious rituals to understand secularisation
The engagement with religious institutions is a key dimension in understanding secularisation
Sociologists use surveys and demographic studies to measure secularisation
Belief, behavior, and the influence of religious institutions are key indicators used to measure secularisation
Secularisation can have both positive and negative implications for society
The decline in the proportion of the UK population identifying as Christian and the rise in non-religious affiliation are evidence of secularisation
Rationalisation, structural differentiation, industrialisation, religious pluralism, and cultural defence are theories that explain secularisation in the UK
Critics argue that secularisation theory may not fully capture the persistence or transformation of religious life, and may have a Western-centric perspective
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Definition of Secularisation
Process where religion's influence on social life diminishes.
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Bryan Wilson's View on Secularisation
Secularisation as decline of religious impact on thought, practices, institutions.
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Secularisation Indicators
Belief, Behavior, Belonging - measure religion's role in society.
