Religion and Social Change Flashcards
What is the argument for religion being a conservative force?
- Functionalists: Holds beliefs and functions that preserve stabilising society and promotes social solidarity
- Feminists argue it defends traditionalist customs which are patriarchal
- Marxists see religion as a conservative force that benefits the ruling class by promoting false class consciousness.
- Thus religions prevents social change and preserves traditional values and beliefs.
How is religion a force for change according to Weber?
The religious beliefs of Calvinism brought about major social change such as the emergence of modern capitalism in Northern Europe.
Modern capitalism is based on the rational pursuit of profit for its own sake, rather than for consumption.
What are the calvinist beliefs?
Predestination: God had decided who would enter heaven (the elect) before you are born and this decision is unchangeable.
Divine Transcendence: God is so far above and beyond this world that no one can predict his will.
Asceticism: Self-discipline and self-denial, refraining from luxury and idleness.
Vocation/Calling: Devoting themselves to constant work, although this wouldn’t influence God’s decision, their hard work would honour him.
How did these Calvinist beliefs actually lead to Capitalism?
Calvinists became anxious about being part of the elect so to overcome this anxiety they devoted themselves to their work and acquired vast amounts of wealth, which they reinvested into their businesses helping them grow (as they don’t believe in squandering or spending money).
Weber says these beliefs led to the emergence of the spirit of capitalism, where the pursuit of profit was seen as a spiritual goal.
How does Kautsky evaluate Webers view?
Argued modern capitalism existed prior to the development of Calvinism. Therefore, the only purpose of Calvinism was to justify the reasons why the ruling class controlled means of production and thus continued the myth of divine inequality.
Why did capitalism not take off in India and Ancient China?
Whilst they were more materially advanced, capitalism didn’t take off there because of a lack of a religious belief system like Calvinism that would have spurred development.
- Hinduism was other-worldly and directed its followers concerns away from the material world.
- Confucianism was a this-wordy religion but wasn’t ascetic so wasn’t disciplined.
Thus they lacked drive to accumulate wealth needed for modern capitalism.
What is the US civil rights movement and how is it linked to religion?
Its aim was to end social segregation and gain equal rights for the black community in America.
It was led by Martin Luther King, who used christian values and religious organisations to unite people and find common ground.
EG: ‘love thy neighbour’ and hypocrisy.
Black churches in the South all campaigned their support, mobilising public opinion.
Thus, Bruce argues that by using public support and shaming those in power using their own religion, this movement was successful.
What is the New Christian Right?
A morally conservative and fundamentalist group that wanted to resist changes that have occurred in America society such as abortion, homosexuality and divorce. They wanted to return to a system that more closely reflects the values of the Bible.
Bruce said they have been unsuccessful in promoting social change as they have an overly negative tone to their message which polarises people. They don’t comply with mainstream beliefs about democracy, equality and religious freedom and so are met with opposition.
What is the Liberation theology?
- Neo-Marxists such as Maduro saw that religion could be a force for social change.
- In the 19th Century, Catholic Priests became critical of racial and social inequalities in Latin America and became supporters of the Liberation Theology movement, which was critical of the wealth and power of the bourgeoisie and supported the redistribution of wealth.
- The priests encouraged their followers to force change upon their society, but were met with criticism by Pope John Paul II.
What is the Millenarian Movement according to Worsley?
- Believe that existing society is evil, sinful and corrupt and that a supernatural force will destroy society and create a new and perfect world order that is free from pain and sin.
- Belief in Judgement Day and that groups will be saved not individuals.
- Appealed to the poor as they promised immediate gratification after their lifetimes of being oppressed. Other members of society see it as abnormal.
