ABSTRACT
How are we to explain at a more general level the origins and continuing success of fundamentalism? Historically the favoured account has been in terms of a reaction against modernity. Modernity involves a differentiation of society into more specific systems, for example, national governments, science and technology, business, and arts and media. These have taken power away from religion, and, fundamentalists argue, threaten its very existence. However, it can also be argued that fundamentalism has grown because modernity is failing to fulfil its prospectus. It leaves many without meaning, agency, and self-worth, needs which fundamentalisms can meet.
