Embedded Files
By the end of this lesson you should be able to:
Identify and define values, symbols, worldviews, belief systems and ideologies.
Describe the role of shared values in creating cohesion and a sense of belonging.
Explain how rituals give purpose, express beliefs and validate the values of the system.
Example set 1 - Lived experiences of shared values and understanding - Buddhism and Feminism.
Answer this question in your books and be prepared to discuss - What values or understandings shape this person’s choices, actions, thoughts and behaviours?
This question requires you to move from the micro interactions of people to a conceptual understanding of how this represents shared values and understandings.
Task Two “How do shared values and understanding of a belief system or ideology create meaning, purpose and identity?
Instructions - together we are going to create a mini 'sub-culture' that will result in more cohesion, unity, meaning and a sense of belonging within our society class. We are going to do this by creating each of the following:
a secret handshake
a logo
a value statement (what do we stand for?)
a way of greeting one another (a nod, a hand signal, etc).
We will then formalise this by writing it out as a set of policies that we will stick up onto the board.
Debrief
What does it feel like to be on the 'inside' or the shared understasnding and meaning versus the 'outside'?
What would happen when you encounter people with different/opposing/competing “values”?
How did shared understanding make you feel connected or “right”?
Link back:
→ Shared values and understandings create meaning (predictability, belonging) and identity (group membership).
→ In belief systems and ideologies, these are formalised as doctrines, traditions, and moral codes.
Task Three: Values Mapping Activity
Goal: Make abstract values concrete.
Steps: Provide students with value cards (e.g. equality, freedom, compassion, justice, obedience, faith, individualism).
Select 5 key values for each different system:
Christianity
Buddhism
Marxism
Feminism
Discuss:
Which values overlap?
Which are unique?
How do these values shape followers’ sense of identity and purpose?
Link to CUPAC paragraph structure:
“The shared value of [value] within [belief system/ideology] provides meaning by… and shapes identity by…”
Values_Cards_Society_and_Culture.pdf
Key Point (and contemporary examples) The Symbols, rituals, myths and stories of belief systems and ideologies unite the people in a society and serve as a conduit for meaning, understanding and communication.
Key Point (and contemporary examples) The Symbols, rituals, myths and stories of belief systems and ideologies unite the people in a society and serve as a conduit for meaning, understanding and communication.
Use the examples below and any others you can think of to answer this question.
Ritual - A series of actions or rites performed according to a prescribed order. Rituals range in significance. Some are sacred to institutions and otherws can be important to people for maintaining tradition and cultural heritage. Some rituals can be referred to as a part of an established routine.
Rituals are practised in a belief system or idealogy and reinforce meaning, give purpose, express beliefs and validate the values of the system. Identity and a sense of belonging are achieved by codifying this behaviour. A worldview is created as a result of this action and this influences an individual's philosophy.
Communicating an underlying value.
Example - Feminism (ideology)
Values of social justice and equality.
Expressing and reinforcing a shared value
Confucianism - shared value of fileal piety brings a sense of order and harmony to relationships at all levels of society.
Utilising stories and symbols to express and reinforce beliefs and values
EG - Sikhism - The Akhand Path - two day rite of passage in Sikhism which consolidates identity and purpose.
An Akhand Path is the continuous, uninterrupted recitation of the entire Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, over approximately 48 hours. This significant spiritual event is performed without breaks by a team of readers who take shifts to ensure continuity, fostering spiritual growth and community unity.
Utilising stories and symbols to express a philosophy
Example - Environmentalism - the symbol of Greenpeace - expresses values that align with the ideology of environmentalism
Creating meaning from actions
Holy Communion - Christians, or in Shinto belief system, a purification rite that re-establishes the adherent with kami to instil good fortune and peace of mind.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse