Religion: social change or conservative force?

Question 1

What theories believe religion is a conservative force?

Answer 1

Functionalism, feminism and Marxism

Question 2

Why do functionalists believe religion is a conservative force?

Answer 2

• Maintains social order within society through social integration
• Value consensus

Question 3

Marxists? Why?

Answer 3

Legitimises working-class exploitation through ideology and maintains a false class conscience - people do not revolt

Question 4

Feminists? Why?

Answer 4

Legitimises patriarchal power and keeps women subordinate within society and the family

Question 5

Who said that religion can be a force for social change?

Answer 5

Weber (1905)

Question 6

What is the difference between conservative force and social change?

Answer 6

The former wants to reproduce traditional norms and customs and maintain the status quo, whereas the latter is focused on religious ideology being a way to change society

Question 7

Name three examples of religion being a force for social change

Answer 7

Calvinist movement in 16th century, American Civil Rights Movement, Christian New Right

Question 8

What was Weber’s 1905 book that studied modern capitalism arising from the Calvinist movement?

Answer 8

‘The Protestant Work Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism’