The Yoruba religion can be defined as a social movement due to its complex system of beliefs, practices, and rituals that have had a profound impact on the social structure and cultural identity of the Yoruba people. According to Parrinder (1980), "The Yoruba religion encompasses a rich tapestry of beliefs, ceremonies, and deities that serve to bind the Yoruba people together in a shared cultural and spiritual heritage" (p. 45).
Furthermore, the Yoruba religion plays a central role in shaping the social relationships and interactions within Yoruba communities. As stated by Olupona (2000), "The Yoruba religion provides a framework for organizing social life, resolving conflicts, and maintaining harmony among individuals and communities" (p. 78).
In addition, the Yoruba religion has been a source of resistance and empowerment for the Yoruba people in the face of colonialism and other forms of oppression. As noted by Peel (2003), "The Yoruba religion has served as a means of cultural preservation and resistance against external forces that seek to undermine the identity and autonomy of the Yoruba people" (p. 112).
Overall, the Yoruba religion can be considered a social movement due to its role in shaping the social structure, cultural identity, and resistance of the Yoruba people. Through its beliefs, practices, and rituals, the Yoruba religion serves as a unifying force that binds individuals and communities together, provides a framework for social organization, and offers a means of resistance against external pressures.
References:
Parrinder, G. (1980). West African Religion: A Study of the Beliefs and Practices of Akan, Ewe, Yoruba, and Kindred Peoples. London: Macmillan.
Olupona, J. (2000). Kingship, Religion, and Rituals in a Nigerian Culture: A Phenomenological Study of Ondo Yoruba Festivals. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Peel, J. (2003). Religious Encounter and the Making of the Yoruba. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
Would you define the yoruba religion as a social movement? Motivate your answer. Provide citations intext reference from different sources from books and journal articles as evidence and references to support the statements using Harvard referencing style
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