Assess the view that fundamentalism is a reaction to globalisation
par 1: give a definition of fundamentalism, indicating its possible forms and suggesting why it has been the focus of recent sociological interest
e.g.
The past century has witnessed the global growth of fundamentalist groups. These include Islamic fundamentalist countries like Iran and Afghanistan, Christian fundamentalists in the USA, Zionist fundamentalists in Israel and Hindu fundamentalists in India. Fundamentalists tend to share the common features of having a world-view that is based on a literal reading and strict adherence to the written word of holy texts. These texts become the source of traditional values and sometimes the content becomes the basis of a literal interpretation of certain truths. Fundamentalism is about the application of such ideas to a rigid faith, which is then applied to modern-day life.
par 2: nature of fundamentalism, but becomes much more focused on the question, offering several explanations for its growth.
Fundamentalism is rooted in words and messages of historical holy texts, such as the Bible or the Koran. Therefore the values of fundamentalism are centred on reaffirming essential truths as expressed in these important texts. However, the question remains as to why fundamentalism is growing at such a pace now. Some theorists, like Bruce, explain its growth primarily in terms of an anti-West sentiment in a post-colonial world. Others have linked its growth to factors like globalisation. Some see fundamentalism as filling a vacuum when former ideologies decline, such as the decline in Marxism in the countries of former Yugoslavia. Others see a connection between the growth of fundamentalism and the superficial nature of postmodern society.
par 3: castells
par 4: link to cultural defence theory
A common feature of fundamentalist movements is they are often headed by a charismatic leader, such as the Ayatollah Khomeini, who was the spiritual leader who returned to Iran from exile following the deportation of the Shah. It is suggested that a strong and commanding leader is needed in order to support the call for a return to traditional values.
par 5: link to 'clash of civilisations'
Another characteristic of fundamentalism is the conviction that it is right and that all other religions are wrong. Therefore fundamentalism has no time for religious pluralism and vehemently pursues an ‘us and them’ mentality. It therefore follows that fundamentalists are often involved in conflict. For example, the motive behind Islamic terrorism is not only an anti-Western response but the view that all ‘infidels’ deserve to be killed.
par 6: evaluate using bruce saying that this is limited to monotheistic religions
par 7: postmodernism
Some people see the growth of fundamentalism as a response to an increasingly superficial postmodernist society. With the growth of the ‘spiritual shopper’, on the one hand, there is a polar response of individuals returning to traditional truths found in holy texts like the Bible or Koran. However, the actual numbers of people engaged in fundamentalism or new religious movements tends to be small. Both could be genuinely described as marginal in the UK, whereas fundamentalism could be viewed as much stronger in countries like Iran.
In conclusion, the factors behind the growth of fundamentalism are multiple, suggesting that it is rarely down to just one reason. Although fundamentalism receives a lot of media coverage there is a tendency for it to appear more significant than it actually is. Nonetheless it remains a formidable force and raises important questions about the future of religion and the secularisation debate.