Religion and social change Flashcards
What do Neo-Marxists argue? (2)
Religion can have relative autonomy meaning it can act independently from the interests of the dominant class.
For Bloch, religion is an expression of ‘the principle of hope’. It can show people what needs to be changed, encouraging social change.
What is the Liberation Theology? (2)
It is the Christian idea that God can change situations that are unjust.
Otto Maduro is an example. At the time Latin American countries were experiencing rising inequality. But, Catholic Priests began to speak out about the interests of the poor. They were able to set up literacy programmes and raise awareness.
How does Gramsci link in with the Liberation Theology?
People can have counter-hegemony where a set of ideas providing the bases for challenges by the poor to the power of the ruling class.
What did Weber write?
The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.
What is Calvinism?
Another version of Protestanism.
What did Calvinists do? (4)
They believed in predestination which is the belief that someone had been chosen by God to go to Heaven. They were called the elect.
But a believer didn’t know if they were chosen so they had salvation anxiety.
Calvinists led ascetic lifestyles which was about self-discipline which is called the Protestant ethic.
As Calvinists worked hard they only spent money on necessities so had lots left over which they reinvested into their business. (Spirit of capitalism)
What is a strength of Weber’s work?
He argues that religion isn’t a conservative force. Religious ideas like pre-destination brought the Protestant work ethic which brought capitalism so it is a cause for change instead.
What McGuire argue? (4)
There are four interrelated factors which can influence whether religion acts as a conservative force or a force for social change.
Beliefs - strong moral codes (change it)
Culture - religious legitimisation (not much change)
Social location - integrated with the political and economic systems (change)
Internal organisation - strong centralised authority (change)
What are criticisms of Weber? (3)
Calvinist countries go against what Weber was saying like Scotland didn’t develop even though they were Calvinists. Cultural ideas like religious beliefs alone does not always lead to change.
But, Weber only suggested that it was a major contributor to change. Cultural and material factors are needed for capitalism to emerge.
The UK were already at an economic advantage over other countries. Weber neglects how slavery and colonialism gave the UK an advantage.
