Conservative Force

Question 1

Name the 4 theories that see religion as a conservative force.

Answer 1

1. Functionalism
2. New Right.
3. Marxism*
4. Feminism*

Question 2

What does religion acting as a conservative force mean?

Answer 2

1. Maintains social stability + status quo, keeping society’s structure and values the same
2. Maintains conservative, traditional beliefs and values.

Question 3

Why do functionalists believe that religion is a conservative force?

Answer 3

See religion as a +ve force that is used to maintain social solidarity and in turn reinforces v consensus. This helps to maintain social stability.

Question 4

What is another word for conservative?

Answer 4

Traditionalism.

Question 5

Why do marxists believe that religion is a conservative force?

Answer 5

It perpetuates + justifies capitalist ideology.
Also believe religion maintains social stability + act as a theodicy of disprivilege - explaining away the oppression that the wc suffer and thus preventing a proletariat revolution.

They want change but don’t think that it’s possible.

Question 6

Why do radical feminists believe that religion is a conservative force?

Answer 6

Religion plays a role in maintaining patriarchy and it is used to justify the oppression of women and practices like FGM - mention the work of El Swaadawi