Religion and Social Change

Question 8

What does religion as a conservative force mean?

Answer 8

Religion is traditional, traditional beliefs are upheld eg: the catholic church is against divorce, gay marriage and favours the traditional nuclear family

Question 9

What do functionalists say about religion acting as a conservative force?

Answer 9

Religion maintains social stability and unites members of society

Question 10

What do marxist’s say about religion acting as a conservative force?

Answer 10

Religion prevents social change due to conservative beliefs, which justifies exploitation of w/c

Question 11

What do feminist’s say about religion acting as a conservative force?

Answer 11

Religion is an ideology which legitimises patriarchy

Question 12

What does Weber say about religion being a force for change?

Answer 12

Calvinist beliefs sparked the beginning of modern capitalism

Question 13

What were 2 Calvinist beliefs discussed by Weber?

Answer 13

Divine Transcendence: not knowing the will of God caused salvation panic for Calvinist’s
Worldy Asceticism: abstaining from luxury, but working hard to put money back into business

Question 14

What is 1 evaluation point for the religion as a force for change theory?

Answer 14

Capitalism didn’t occur in every country where there was Calvinism

Question 15

What does Bruce say about religion and social protest?

Answer 15

American civil rights movement - churches act an ideological resource and provided support/prayer to protesters

Question 16

What does Bloch say about the principle of hope, in relation to Marxism, religion and change

Answer 16

Religion may inspire protest and change

Question 17

What does Gramsci say about religion and hegemony?

Answer 17

Hegemony = dominant ideology
Religion creates organic intellectuals - clergy members acting as educators and leaders