Religion as a conservative force Flashcards
What did Weber argue about religion as a catalyst for social change?
Weber suggested that religion, particularly the Protestant work ethic, played a key role in the development of capitalism, especially through Calvinism’s emphasis on hard work, thrift, and economic success.
What is the meaning of Weber’s view on religion as a catalyst for social change?
Weber believed that religion, specifically Calvinism, contributed to the rise of capitalism by promoting values such as thrift, hard work, and economic success.
What sociologists support Weber’s view on religion as a catalyst for social change?
Weber (1905), Bellah (1970), and Bruce (2011).
How did Bellah contribute to Weber’s view on religion and social change?
Bellah suggested that American civil religion has played a role in promoting national unity and democratic values, contributing to social change.
How did Bruce argue that religion contributes to social change?
Bruce argued that religion played a significant role in the U.S. civil rights movement and other movements for social change by providing moral frameworks for activism.
What are the criticisms of Weber’s view on religion as a catalyst for social change?
Kautsky (1927) criticized Weber by suggesting that capitalism developed before Calvinism, and Hout (1995) argued that Protestantism may not have caused capitalism but was coincidental.
What did Marx argue about religion as a force for social control?
Marx saw religion as a tool for the ruling classes to maintain control over the working class, keeping them passive through the illusion of false hope, or ‘opium of the people.’
What is the meaning of Marx’s view on religion as a force for social control?
Marx believed that religion serves the interests of the ruling class by maintaining false consciousness among the proletariat and justifying inequality.
What sociologists support Marx’s view on religion as a force for social control?
Marx (1844), Engels (1844), Althusser (1971), and Bruce (2011).
How did Engels contribute to Marx’s view on religion as social control?
Engels suggested that religion is used by ruling classes to legitimize inequality and maintain the status quo in capitalist societies.
How did Althusser view religion in relation to social control?
Althusser argued that religion functions as an ideological state apparatus, reinforcing the power of the ruling class and its institutions.
How did Bruce critique the idea that religion only serves the powerful?
Bruce acknowledged that while religion can justify the power of elites, it can also serve as a tool for resistance and social change in certain contexts.
What are the evaluations of Marx’s view on religion as a force for social control?
Feminists (e.g., de Beauvoir, 1949) agree religion maintains patriarchal structures; Abercrombie, Hill, & Turner (2000) argue religion can promote social change; Bellah (1970) suggests religion can serve both social control and change.
What is the view of functionalism on religion as a force for social stability?
Functionalists argue that religion promotes social cohesion by reinforcing shared norms, values, and collective consciousness, maintaining social stability.
What is the meaning of religion as a conservative force in society according to functionalists?
Functionalists believe that religion helps maintain social order by promoting shared beliefs and values, creating cohesion and unity in society.
What sociologists support the view that religion is a conservative force in society?
Durkheim (1912), Parsons (1951), Merton (1968), and Bruce (2011).
How did Durkheim contribute to the view that religion is a conservative force in society?
Durkheim argued that religion is a source of social cohesion, promoting collective consciousness and maintaining social stability through shared values.
How did Parsons view religion as a conservative force in society?
Parsons suggested that religion helps individuals make sense of societal rules and reinforces social order by supporting key social values.
How did Merton see religion’s role in maintaining stability?
Merton proposed that religion contributes to social stability by promoting conformity to societal norms, particularly through rituals and shared beliefs.
How did Bruce argue that religion conserves social stability in modern society?
Bruce argued that religion still helps maintain stability in society, though its role has diminished due to secularization.
What are the evaluations of religion as a conservative force in society?
Neyzi (2001) argues religion can promote change in political contexts; Althusser (1971) critiques religion as part of the ideological state apparatus; Engels (1844) argues religion is an instrument of oppression rather than cohesion.
