Conformity PDF

espouse an ideology of white during the Jim Crow era, which caused widespread fear and violence superiority and advocate for the among Black communities. separation of races, often through The K...

espouse an ideology of white during the Jim Crow era, which caused widespread fear and violence superiority and advocate for the among Black communities. separation of races, often through The KKK's ideology and actions have influenced others by promoting and violent means. Their behavior normalizing hateful rhetoric and actions that fuel racism and includes hate speech, vandalism, discrimination. Their influence has also led to the rise of other white and acts of terrorism, which have supremacist groups and the normalization of hate crimes. caused harm and fear to many marginalized communities. In recent years, the KKK's influence has been seen in the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. The rally was organized by white Their values and behaviors have supremacists and neo-Nazis, including members of the KKK, to protest led to social change by promoting the removal of Confederate monuments. The event turned violent and and normalizing hateful rhetoric resulted in the death of a counter-protester. and actions that fuel racism, xenophobia, and other forms of The KKK's values iand behaviors have had a negative impact on society discrimination. They have also by promoting hate, violence, and racism, which are detrimental to social contributed to the normalization cohesion and the well-being of marginalized communities. Their influence of hate groups and hate crimes, has contributed to the rise of far-right political movements and increased which threatens social cohesion racial tensions in many parts of the world. and erodes trust in democratic References institutions. Southern Poverty Law Center. (n.d.). Ku Klux The influence of white Klan. https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/ideology/ku- supremacists has led to the rise of klux-klan far-right political movements and increased racial tensions in many Anti-Defamation League. (n.d.). Ku Klux Klan parts of the world. Their ideology (KKK). https://www.adl.org/education/resources/backgrounders/ku-klux- and actions are antithetical to the klan-kkk values of equality, justice, and The New York Times. (2017, August 14). Ku Klux Klan Dreams of Rising respect for diversity, which are Again 150 Years After fundamental to a fair and just Founding. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/14/us/ku-klux-klan-kkk- society. Therefore, their influence history-charlottesville.html and social change they promote Time Magazine. (2017, August 14). Here Are the Facts About the History of are detrimental to the well-being the KKK. https://time.com/4894787/ku-klux-klan-history-charlottesville/ of society. SATMAR COMMUNITY In relation to one group, students are to examine: clear cultural/religious groups as WHY Satmar is one of the largest Hasidic dynasties in the world, with some 26,000 households. It is characterized by extreme conservatism, complete rejection of modern culture, and fierce anti-Zionism. Satmar sponsors a comprehensive education and media system in Yiddish, and its members use Yiddish as a primary language. The sect also sponsors and leads the Central Rabbinical Congress, which serves as an umbrella organization for other very conservative, anti-Zionist, and mostly Hungarian-descended ultra-Orthodox communities. emphasised one’s individual connection to God through the Torah and mitzvahs (good deeds and divine commandments from the Torah) Jewish mysticism is an essential part of Hasidic teaching and leaders strive to make Jewish mystical texts (such as the Kabbalistic writings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and Rabbi Isaac Luria) accessible and practical to all N O T E S ( C & N C) 20  followers Hasidim live in close communities. While there are hundreds of sects of Hasidism, most American Hasidim belong to one of a handful of major sects, of which Satmar is one of the largest and strictist Music and stories are an important part of Hasidic culture, inspiring a deeper connection between man and God. Each community follows a Rebbe, or Rabbi, a spiritual authority that transfers within the family, usually to the Rabbi’s oldest son estimated at 400,000 in 2005 and continues to grow due to high birth rates in Hasidic communities Key Notes clustered around the Williamsburg community similar to other worldviews - collectives, cooperation origins Hasidism was founded by Ball Shem Tov who emphasised the joys of worship/and the celebration of god/thankfulness for god - music, stories and dance Teachings and practices - serving god with joy and authenticity and frequently involves charismatic leaders Grew out of Eastern Europe, then spread to other parts of the world One of oldest religions - old testament, own teachings, focus on tradition values community: close-knit communities where they can live in accordance with Jewish laws and traditions → reinforce conformity as really strong boundary between what is and isn’t appropriate practices and customs: wearing black and white clothing (particularly men), learning Torah, celebrating Shabbat (all come together to eat food and pray on friday nights, no electricity allowed, no working for 24 hours) contemporary issues: anti-Semitism, education, healthcare influences on attitudes/behaviour community: prioritise community, often make decision consultation with leaders and peers (eg. naming of babies, girls are four days after, boys are thirteen days after - honouring their gifts from God, bible saying to ‘go out and multiply’) Torah: central to their lives, guidance on how to live righteously, moral behaviour and ethical decision making outlines ten commandments and other laws that constuct framework for personal and communal lide stories and parable for importance of humility, compassion and other virtues source of wisdom and guidance mystical teachings Kabbalah is a form of Jewish mysticism that provides insights into the nature of God and the soul - can help deepen relationship with God Meditation and chanting of sacred texts Community standards expectations: dress modestly (married women don’t show hair) and adhere to strict rules regarding food preparation (no meat and milk products to be mixed, no pig) and other aspects positive aspects: sense of belonging, shared values negative aspects: limit individuality, intolerance of those who do not conform N O T E S ( C & N C) 21  non-conformity religion not celebrated and can result in social and familial alienation emphasis on community as individual action can impact entire community strict rules and expectations to demonstrate conformity may be seen as threate to stability - social repurcussions group rebellion and pushback against community authority eg. protested against COVID 19 restrictions - act of defiance against government and community authority as arguin restriction violated their religious freedoms tension between individual rights and community responsibilities individual individuality through writing, art, and other forms of creative expression - eg. memoirs or novels that explore their experiences growing up in the community or their struggles with faith and identity means for self-expression to reflect their personal beliefs and experiences despite not being celebrated by Video little crime, violence strict difference between male and female most writing in Yiddish NOT Hebrew - right to left many live whole life in here 100 000 people use of internet, social media, tv’s are frowned upon - dangerous to community everything is meant to be used positively - one night can be drunk Hannakah less important everything is a gateway into the soul - music is generally just satmar films for women and films for men (women can watch men) spiritual security system - scroll rolled up with prayers hat - men are praying in morning so shops open around midday - pray 3 times a day (morning - 30 to hour, 15 minutes later on) almost every women is a mother or wanting to be a mother, help those who are infertile get treatment own security service (voluntary based) and ambulance service (2 min) less than 5% are likely non-Hasidic charity is a big part of most schools only learn in yiddish but yiddish is everywhere in community ( no ham, no shellfish N O T E S ( C & N C) 22  dairy then must wait half hour for meat then 6 hours for dairy two sets of dishes, sinks kosher diet - most shops and stores are kosher, symbol on food means rabbi’s watched and approved the process DEVELOPMENT the historical and social development of the group 1. 1750s: emergence of Hasidism in Western Europe wanting to focus on Jewish mysticism, finding joy in life and religion 2. the engaging, charismatic tsaddikim (leaders) contributed to the rise in Hasidic communities 3. increasing modernism encouraged non-conformity for maintaining culture/religon the role of status, authority, power, privilege and responsibility within the group 1. God 2. Rabbi a. authority: male leader of the court, administrative head of the community b. power: administer blessings, choose occupations, provide spiritual and moral support c. responsibility: study Torah daily, interpret jewish law an how the concepts of cohesion and community operate to define the group’s identity ways in which the group influences its individual members in order to achieve group cohesion: the role of group values and norms peer pressure ATTITUDES TO NON-CONFORMITY attitudes of the group to nonconformity and the role of sanctions within the group N O T E S ( C & N C) 23  General strict adherence to religious law and tradition very negative attitude ultra conservative ostracism and shunning 1. Strong emphasis on Traditions high value as considered essential for maintaining distinct identity and spiritual integrity amid wider non- conforming society ‘threat to community’ as undermining values and cohesiveness questioning is like questioning god so won’t be saved 2. Resistance to outside influences wary of external influences and modern trends that could dilute identity, lifestyle and beliefs based on historical experiences and desire to prevent assimilation into the broader society drive the community’s resistance to outside influences - avoid erosion eg. expressing interest in secular events could be met with apprehension 3. Peer and social pressure close-knit nature - strong bonds, dependence and pressure to conform maintaining cohesion/adherance are central to community survival 4. Preservation of gender roles traditional roles are strong emphasies deeply rooted in religious beliefs and cultural traditions - seen as challenging established order and creating discomfort easier to non-conform for women and more negative attitudes men more enabled to seek out secular education and opportunities for benefit of community (would rather seek out secular doctor for example than allow someone to train as one) 5. Challenges to Leadership Authority religious leadership as vital for community spiritual guidance and cohesion - undermining authority that upholds values and traditions Examples Shlomo Carlebach watching tv and secular music in private use of guitar (’embarrassed to say they watch secular tv’) willingness to perform in front of mixed audiences internet for non-religious purposes - proxy server or message of love and acceptance which some found friend computer were too liberal dressing more modernly counterculture movement of 60s dating before marriage (uncommon but does Satmar more strict than other Hasidic communities happen) attending college/university (becoming more common) N O T E S ( C & N C) 24  Role of Sanctions Deterrence against nonconformity Reinforcement of Leadership Authority Types 1. Social Exclusion: ostracised or marginalised within the community - distancing/limiting of social interactions 2. Shunning or Silence: refusal to engage in conversation/interactions - social isolation 3. Loss of Privileges: limited participation in community events, ceremonies or gatherings 4. Community Disapproval: community may collectively express a dissatisfaction with non-conformity 5. Questioning and Counselling: leaders or peers may question non-conforming individuals about behaviour and attempt to provide counselling or guidance to encourage conformity - maybe confiscate/raid 6. Restrictions on Religious Participation 7. Loss of Leadership or Mentorship Roles: loss of opportunity to serve in leadership or recieve mentoship 8. Limited Marriage Prospects: eligibility as a suitable marriage partner 9. Economic Impact: reduced access to resources, job opportunities or financial support 10. Loss of Respect: loss of respect and recognition within community Questions 15 marks: 6 pages 5 marks: 2 page NEGATIVES AND POSITIVES positive and negative interactions with the wider society Positive Negative Community charitable Initiatives: charitable activities Cultural clashes: differences in cultural norms and that benefit them (image) and wider society, eg. practies between them and wider society can lead food drives, assistance to schools, aid, etc. to misunderstandings or conflicts - eg. dress, relgious or education practices Participation in Interfaith Dialogues: foster understanding and cooperation among different Limited Engagement in Secular Activities: religious groups within the wider society isolation/inaccessibility and ignorance from wider society - mossed opportunities for social internation Support Local Business: contribute to the locale and colaboration economy and foster positive relationships with non- Satmar neighbours, eg. youtube videos, information, Resistance to Assimilation: and shops to create positive understandings of their Sterotyping and Prejudice culture/lifestyle/religion Land 0use Disputes: conflicts over land se and Cultural exchanges: cultural evens or exchanges - zoning regulations when communities seek to build cultural festivals or open houses to share their N O T E S ( C & N C) 25  traditions and promote mutual understanding or cover more land whether of the satmar community or the wide community Community service: volunteering, neighborhood clean up, ambulance/police COVID 19 shut down non-essential business restricting houses and gatherings of worship to 10 people protests - unfair attack on community disbelief in accuracy of COVID stats ‘we will not comply’ inflammatory language of radio host who incited protest (’I’ve created an army’) and language of general creating initiative to ‘crush the clusters’ (inhuman, violent language) produce negative perception by wider society perceptions of the group by the wider society and the implications of these perceptions Negative Positive 1. Social isolation: want to be but also excluded or othered by surrounding stigma/misconceptions 2. Discrimination in employment: eg. hesitant to employ due to not fitting in 3. Cultural clashes: disputes over cultural ideologies and values 4. Policy challenges: negative perceptions → negative policy 5. Missed collaborative opportunities: The near future (5 to 10 years) Students are to: predict how the subcultural group may interact with and influence society in the near future Current Trends determine current trends for interactions between the subcultural group studied and the wider society N O T E S ( C & N C) 26  1. Continued growth: still growing (though slower Technology pace) as high birth rate (between 8 and 12 children 1. Internet: used by some communities but still limited per family) and a relatively low rate of assimilation - likely to increase as more Satmar people gain 2. Geographical dispersion: increasing significant which will expose community to outside world and populations now living in the United States, Canada, alternate perspectives - cohesion depends on their Europe and Israel due to: economic opportunities, isolation so may lose conformity religious persecution and family reunification → 2. Phones: becoming more popular - though tradition increase in technology use continue to remains priority (men often have phone), 3. Technological adoption: gradual and limited but women encouraged to work in family business so likely to accelerate may have phone/internet for work as they are struggling economically 4. Increased education: both religious and secular → more educated population for greater access 3. Virtual learning: for more isolated Satmar community though may erode tradition students or maybe for those (particularly women) who need education for business (support children 5. Challenges to tradition: challenges to traditional who are present of the gods - anything for them) way of life such as assimilation, intermarriage and and can do online education secularism - community is responding but these responses have varying success 4. Telehealth: access medical care without having to access doctor without travelling long distances to doctor 5. Online shopping: potentially only way to gain religious artifacts or for business note: women may be more involved in family business and they may be doing the work, online ordering as at home more NGO: Footsteps NYC NGO that provides educational, vocational and social support to people who have left or want to leave a Haredi or Hasidic Jewish community in US Founded in 2003 by Malkie Schwartz, who left her own Satmar community in pursuit of college education Services counselling educational and vocational counselling financial assistance housing assistance legal assistance social activities networking Raise awareness of chalenges faced and combat stigma of leaving Funded by donations from individuals, foundations and corporations Staff of over 20 which serve over 1000 people each year N O T E S ( C & N C) 27  Over 100 volunteers evaluate the impact and implications for the subcultural group of: likely changes probable continuities Changes Short time Medium Long Heightened interest from Infiltration of technologies Integration of English outsiders Yeshivas include more secular subjects (economic perspective) words Increased antisemitism Continuities Short time Medium Long Harsh sanctions (may become harsher to combat increasing use Influence on elections Focus on traditions of tech and access to secular perspectives) Strict gender roles Poverty Number of people leaving podcast: wiser world N O T E S ( C & N C) 28