Citation

Gerharz GP. Sociol. Relig. 1970; 31(1): 1-11.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1970, Association for the Sociology of Religion)

DOI

10.2307/3709947

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The multiplicity of theories of secularization can be grouped into three general theoretical orientations: those which point to loss of bases of religion, those which note alterations in religious expression, and those which stress loss of religious social control. Most of these attempts are either vague, incomplete, or untested. The theory developed attempts to explain secularization in terms of social control in a way that is empirically testable. The theory establishes typologies of social control and religion. Religious groups are classified on a continuum from traditional to non-traditional based on the belief, practices, and denominationalism of individuals. Social control is classified as public or private, depending on which areas of life are influenced. It is then hypothesized that a traditional religious orientation is positively related to religious influence in the private sector, while a non-traditional religious orientation is related to influence in the public sector.