Religion Conservative Force Flashcards
What theorists support religion as a conservative force
Functionalists
Marxists
Feminists
How do functionalists support religion as a conservative force
Benefits society by promoting stability and integration
How do marxists support religion as a conservative force
Helping promote false class consciousness, thereby retaining r.c. Power
How do feminists support religion as a conservative force
Retains patriarchal power
What are the 2 meanings of a conservative force
Preventing social change
Preserving traditional values and beliefs
How do Neo Marxists argue religion is a radical force
Maduro: religion can be a force for change e.g Liberation Theology
Weber: religion used support any beliefs, including those which lead to change.
Fundamentalism be both conservative and radical
What does Weber study
Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism
Does Webers protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism see religion as a radical or conservative force
Radical force
Outline Webers Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism
Challenges functionalists and marxists
Believed ideas and beliefs bring about change
Accepted can be form social control
Countries that industrialised first: protestant/calvinists
Teachings ascetic protestantism conductive to development capitalism
Outline the example Weber uses
Calvinist Protestant key features: work was a calling, belief in predestination, rejection of luxuries, good work ethic, economic success evidence you are part of the elect
Capitalism requires hard work and reinvestment
How did Calvinism lead to change
Encourages development of attitudes and values to support these ideals
What else did Weber identify
Ideas on their own not enough also need correct economic conditions
How does Weber compare to Marx
Believes material factors important but also idealist - ideas and beliefs can shape society
Positive evaluation of Weber
Challenges Marx determinism
Sees religion as motive force: as well as acknowledging role in social control
Saw the power of religious influence
Discovered how it can construct sense reality - gave meaning to world around
Negative of Weber
What came first Calvinism or Capitalism
Wasnt calvinism: religion was excluded from some professions, forced to be more enterprising
Mistaken beliefs calvinism - over idealised over emphasised features compatible with capitalism
