2.2 Religion as a force for social change Flashcards
How does Weber believe that religion can be an agent of social change?
Max Weber argued that the social norms instilled by Protestantism laid the foundations for
modern capitalism.
Describe how Calvinism can show how religion can be a force of change?
Calvinists become anxious about being part of the
elect so to overcome this anxiety they devote
themselves to their work, often acquiring vast
amounts of wealth in the process. Calvinists take this
wealth as a sign of God’s favour, which COULD
mean they are part of the elect.
What other examples are there of religion acting as a force for social change?
Weber protestant religion in the 17th century was the reason for the whole societies like England changed from agricultural to industrial.
It what ways does Bruce suggest that religion is an ideological resource? T C A M
---> Taking the moral high ground Churches can provide a context for negotiating change because they often have the respect of both sides and are seen as being above mere politics.
---> Channelling Dissent Churches can provide a context for negotiating change because they often have the respect of both sides and are seen as being above mere politics.
---> Acting as honest broker Churches can provide a context for negotiating change because they often have the respect of both sides and are seen as being above mere politics.
—> Mobilising Public Opinion
Churches can act as a network to
spread support for the campaign.
How does religion have a dual character?
society can be saying one thing but religion can be saying something completely different. This brings about the concept of religion having a dual character.
Engels argues that religion can prevent change by disguising inequality
Give one criticism of Weber’s ideas of religion and social change.
In Kautsky’s opinion modern capitalism
already existed prior to the development of
Calvinism. Therefore the only purpose of Calvinism
was to justify the reasons why the ruling class
controlled the means of production and thus
continue the myth of divine inequality
Which sociologist is associated with Liberation theology?
Maduro
What reasons can be given for the lack of success by the Christian new Right?
They do not cooperate with others who have similar values instead alienate themselves from them.
What are the four Calvinist beliefs that helped lead to the rise of capitalism?
- Calvinists believe that the only way to
glorify God was to devote themselves to
their work - Calvinists do not believe in squandering or spending their wealth instead they reinvest it into their
businesses helping them to grow.
Explain the role that religion played in American Civil Rights Movement
Aim was to end social segregation and gain equal rights for the black community in America. It was led by Rev Martin Luther King who used Christian values to unite people and find common ground.
This allowed the movement to gain legitimacy and followers from across the country.
Bruce believes that this movement was successful
because it was peaceful, gained public support
and negotiated with the opposition and shamed
those in power using their own religion.
Explain the role that religion played in Liberation Theology
In South America in the 1960’s and 1970’s Catholic
priests developed the liberation theology as a
response to the failure of the Vatican to deal with
the poverty and oppression they were faced with.
The priests encouraged their followers to force
change upon their society and even use violence
when necessary in order to overthrow the dictators
who were the cause of the poverty and oppression.
Explain the role that religion played in The Arab Spring.
The Arab Spring which swept across the Middle East and North Africa between 2010-2014 offers
a more contemporary example of the role of religion in social change. Islamic groups were very
active in using social media to highlight the political injustices in countries such as Tunisia and
Egypt
Explain the role that religion played in Liberation Theology
Neo-Marxist Otto Maduro pointed Liberation Theology in Latin America to demonstrate that religion can act as a force for social change.
He further suggested that this is especially the case where the marginalized have no other outlet for their grievances than religious institutions.
Explain the role that religion played in The Arab Spring.
The Arab Spring which swept across the Middle East and North Africa between 2010-2014 offers
a more contemporary example of the role of religion in social change. Islamic groups were very
active in using social media to highlight the political injustices in countries such as Tunisia and
Egypt
Postmodernism
Religion can be a factor in changing individuals identities which in turn through pick n mix ppl chose the religion that meets their identity.
