Religion as a Conservative Force

Question 1

What is religion as a conservative force?

Answer 1

• Religion keeps things the way they are, religion is a force for stability and order
• Functionalists, marxists and feminists support this view

Question 2

What are the ways in which religion is a conservative force?

Answer 2

• It upholds traditional beliefs about how society should be organised
• It functions to conserve things as they are. It stabilises society and maintains the status

Question 3

How are religion’s beliefs a conservative force?

Answer 3

• Most religions have traditional beliefs about moral issues and oppose changes in individuals’ freedom. e.g. Catholic Church forbids divorce and abortion
• Most religions uphold ‘family values’ and favour a patriarchal domestic division of labour. e.g. the belief that men should be the head of the family was embedded in traditional marriage ceremonies of the Church of England

Question 4

How do functionalists see religion as a conservative force?

Answer 4

• Religion functions to maintain social stability and prevent society from disintegrating.
• e.g. it promotes social solidarity by creating value consensus, thus reducing the likelihood of individuals pursuing their own interests, avoiding society collapsing.

Question 5

How do Marxists see religion as a conservative force?

Answer 5

Religion disguises exploitation and inequality, which created false consciousness in the WC and prevents revolution, therefore maintaining the stability of capitalist society

Question 6

How do feminists see religion as a conservative force?

Answer 6

Religion legitimates patriarchal power and maintains women’s subordination in the family and wider society