Secularization and the Theory of Rational Choice of Religion

Hamidizade, Ehsan; Movaved Majd, Majid

Secularization and the Theory of Rational Choice of Religion

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

دانش آموخته دکتری جامعه شناسی، دانشگاه شیراز.

Abstract

The theory of rational choice initially was developed by some classical economists and eco-social anthropologists. Furthermore many sociologists of religion define religious behaviors on the basis of secularization theory but due to some shortcomings, this theory could not deliver a comprehensive explanation of the problem. So it seems that the rational choice theory, as a new approach in the sociology of religion, functions like a supplement compensating for the weaknesses of secularization theory. This theory introduces a new form of secularization with a clarification of religious plurality in the modern world, a fact that increases the significance of presenting post-secularism theories on the position of religion. The theory of rational choice shows that the role of religion does not diminish in the society since it coordinates itself with the requirements of the modern society, utilizing benefit-based rational reasons in the arguments.

Keywords

References

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