Author
Home > Sociology > What is the Difference Between Secularism and Secularization?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Secularism and Secularization?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Secularism and secularization are related but distinct concepts. Here are the key differences between the two:

  • Secularism is a philosophical stance that emphasizes that religious thought should not influence the sphere of knowledge, values, and action that is independent of religion. It is associated with modernity and refers to a mode of political organization in which the state is neutral with reference to all established religions and protects the rights of minorities in a multicultural society.
  • Secularization is the process of decline in the social significance of religion, including in levels of religious beliefs, belonging, and behaviors. It is the result of rationalization and intellectualization characteristic of modern societies and is often viewed as a step towards modernity.

In summary, secularism is a philosophical stance that promotes the separation of religion from various aspects of society, while secularization is the process through which society loses its religious values and beliefs. Both concepts are related to the diminishing role of religion in modern societies, but they describe different aspects of this phenomenon.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Secularism and Secularization?
  • Comparative Table: Secularism vs Secularization

    • Comparative Table: Secularism vs Secularization

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between secularism and secularization:

    Feature Secularism Secularization
    Definition Secularism refers to the separation of religion from politics and other aspects of society. Secularization is the transformation of a society from close identification with religious values and institutions toward nonreligious values and institutions.
    Philosophy Secularism is a philosophical position about the way things should be, advocating for the separation of church and state. Secularization is a social process that occurs when religious beliefs and institutions lose their authority and influence in society.
    Dimensions Secularism focuses on political, social, and cultural aspects of society, promoting the freedom of religion and the separation of church and state. Secularization has multiple dimensions, including differentiation, transformation of institutions, transfer of activities, and changes in religious beliefs and practices.
    Origins Secularism has its roots in the Age of Enlightenment in Europe and has played a major role in Western society. Secularization is a phenomenon of modern society that appears when ways of thinking and living change, often associated with the process of differentiation and the waning of the various aspects of community, individual, and religion.
    Examples The United States is often seen as a secular society due to the near-complete freedom of religion and the separation of church and state. Examples of secularization include the decline in religious beliefs, participation in religious institutions, and the increasing influence of nonreligious values in various aspects of society.
    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.