Religion and Social Change Flashcards
What are the three key intentions of religion if it is acting as a force for social conservation?
To pass on the collective conscience to stop anomie, to legitimate the position of the ruling class and to socialise women into patriarchy
Who are the three key sociologists that discuss religion being a force for change?
Weber, Bruce and Bloch
How does Weber argue religion acts as a force for change?
Weber argues that the introduction of Calvinism in society led in some ways to the start of capitalism because of their renunciation of material while upholding a strict work ethic meaning they held a surplus of products. Hinduism and Confucianism would’ve done similar but they reject the material world.
What did Bruce argue about the Civil Rights Movement? What four things does he argue the church provided during the CRM?
Bruce argues that the church played a large role in the Civil Rights Movement. They: took the moral high ground; channeled dissent; acted as an honest broke between both sides and mobilised public opinion.
What do Marxists argue about religion and it being a force for social change?
Marxist argue it can be stand independent from the economy so can either be a force for change or a conservative one.
What does Bloch argue about religion? What perspective is he from?
Bloch is a Marxist who argues that religion has a dual personality, that is, can be a force for change as it presents images of ‘utopia’ and a better life but must align with the politics of the time for changes to take place
What was Liberation theology?
A movement in latin America that condemned dictatorships, the church looked after the oppressed and the poor while trying to encourage political change. However, it was condemned by the pope in the 70’s as it resembled Marxism.
