Davie: Vicarious Religion and Believing Without Belonging
Grace Davie argues that modern Europe exhibits 'believing without belonging': people maintain religious belief/memory without institutional participation and practice. Churches function as 'vicarious religion' for the public.
Real World
In the UK, over 50% of people identified as Christian in the 2001 census yet weekly church attendance sat below 10% — the precise pattern Davie documented as 'believing without belonging' in her landmark 1994 study.
Exam Focus
Contrast Davie directly with Bruce to show evaluative range; examiners reward candidates who can explain why they disagree with each other.
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