Religion & Economic Development (AQA A Level Sociology): Revision Note

Hinduism & India

• Some sociologists argue against global secularisation, suggesting instead that religion can play a vital role in economic development. This mirrors Weber’s argument about the Protestant ethic

• Nanda (2000) studied how Hinduism has influenced India’s rapid economic growth

• India’s middle class is the largest in the world, and most of its members continue to express religious belief

  • Many of these professionals work in IT, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, sectors strongly tied to the global economy

• There has also been a rise in religious tourism, such as visits to shrines and temples

• According to Nanda, being religious has even become fashionable and a public marker of identity

• Nanda argues this directly contradicts secularisation theory, which predicts that modernisation should undermine religion

Hinduism & consumerism

• Nanda examined why India’s sophisticated, urban middle class continues to believe in miracles and supernatural beings

  • She rejected explanations based on poverty or insecurity, as this group is relatively wealthy

  • She also rejected the idea that their religiosity is a defensive reaction to Westernisation

• Instead, Nanda argued that rising religiosity stems from ambivalence about newfound wealth

• Traditional Hindu values emphasise renunciation of materialism, which conflicts with middle-class prosperity

• This tension is resolved by modern gurus and 'tele-gurus', who promote prosperity as a spiritual goal

• Religious organisations legitimise consumerism by presenting it as a path to spiritual development

  • They do this through extravagant rituals that often display wealth, reinforcing status

• As a result, modern forms of Hinduism allow the middle class to adapt to consumer lifestyles while maintaining religious belief

Hindu ultra-nationalism

• Nanda also argued that Hinduism has become closely linked to ultra-nationalism

• Many Indians view Hindu values as central to India’s identity, success, and pride in the global economy

• This belief is frequently reinforced by the media and politicians

• Religion is therefore used to unite the nation and encourage economic development

• In this way, Hinduism functions like a form of civil religion, similar to Bellah’s argument about American identity and Christianity

Pentecostalism in South America

• Berger (2003) argues that Pentecostalism works like a modern version of the Protestant ethic, encouraging economic development in Latin America

• Pentecostalism promotes an ascetic lifestyle that emphasises:

  • personal discipline

  • hard work

  • abstinence from alcohol and other 'wasteful' behaviours

• These values encourage upward mobility and help believers escape poverty

• Pentecostalism therefore has a strong affinity with modern capitalism

Pentecostalism: global and local

• Lehmann (2002) highlights Pentecostalism’s success as a global religion that adapts to local cultures

• While its core message remains the same, it uses imagery and practices from local traditions:

  • In South America, it emphasises discipline and prosperity

  • In Africa, it blends with local beliefs in spirits and healing

• This strategy of adapting rather than replacing existing beliefs helps Pentecostalism spread quickly and attract followers

• Pentecostalism has been especially successful in developing countries because:

  • it appeals to the poor, who make up most of the population

  • it uses global media to spread its message

Capitalism in East Asia

• The 'East Asian Tiger' economies (South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and China) have industrialised rapidly and become global economic powers

• Redding (1990) argues that post-Confucian values supported this development by encouraging:

  • hard work

  • self-discipline

  • frugality

  • commitment to education and self-improvement

• These values created a culture of ambition and perseverance, contributing to rapid industrial growth

• Redding compares this to Weber’s idea of the Protestant ethic in Europe, showing how religion can foster economic development in different cultural contexts