Religion and Class (CAGELS) - Beliefs

Question 1

What does Halevy suggest?

Answer 1

That the Methodist religion played a key role in preventing a working class revolution in 19th century Britain.

• W/c dissatisfaction with establishment expressed by deserting C of E
• Methodism distracted them from their class grievances

Question 2

What social class do Churches attract?

Answer 2

Generally upper and middle class

• BUT some churches attract more w/c e.g. Catholicism and others attract more m/c e.g C of E
• Expect more m/c to attend established religions

Question 3

What social class do Sects attract?

Answer 3

There is a wide variety of sects which make the overall class composition wide.

• The Black Muslims draw members from w/c
• Moonies target younger m/c (have to take a vow of poverty so m/c who have had a more comfortable lifestyle are more willing to give this up as they have never experienced the harshness of poverty)

Question 4

What social class do NAMs attract? What does Bruce suggest?

Answer 4

Overwhelmingly middle class
- Bruce: appeals to those who’s material needs have been satisfied. Educated m/c and expressive professions who have an articulate interest in human potential

Question 5

Why are ethnic minorities more involved in religion?

Answer 5

More likely to be in a lower class

Question 6

What do Marxists argue?

Answer 6

Religion is used by the r/c

• it is a form of social control
• dulls the pain of oppression