Economic Development & Religion
Sociology: AQA A Level, topic 7.4.5
Hinduism and Pentecostalism
Nanda studied how Hinduism has changed to help the economic growth of India. Berger studied Pentecostalism in South America.
Globalisation
- Nanda studied how Hinduism has changed to help the economic growth of India.
- Globalisation has brought a wealth of opportunities to India as there has been a surge in global demand for industries that India is engaged in.
New middle class
- This has led to the emergence of a young professional middle class that would be expected to become more secular, as their need for the traditional religion of Hinduism would diminish with their new found prosperity.
- However, Nanda claims that the opposite has occurred.
Adapting scripture
- Contemporary Hindu leaders encourage a progressive view of wealth by stating that it is seen as a sign of divine favour, something that will be looked on favourably in the afterlife.
Pentecostalism in South America
- Berger suggests that Pentecostalism in South American countries such as Brazil, has become a strong rival to Catholicism as it encourages its followers to work their way out of poverty rather than await salvation in the after-life.
- This stimulates economic growth as it has inspired its followers to adopt a dedicated work ethic.