Revolutionary Force Flashcards
What is the main example to use of how religion has caused social change?
Weber - Calvinism.
What does the word revolutionary suggest?
BIG social change.
What is the 1 theory that believes that religion can lead to social change?
Neo-Marxism.
What sociologists should you mention when talking about religion leading to social change?
Weber,
Nelson,
McGuire,
Neo-Marxists.
What does Nelson argue?
That ‘religion can spearhead resistance and revolution’.
He points out examples in history: Archbishop Desmond Tutu - showing that religion can lead to social change.
When should you talk about McGuire in a 20 mark essay?
In the conclusion, just after postmodernism.
Why do neo-marxists believe that religion can lead to social change?
- It can be used as a voice for the oppressed people to shape their consciousness, leading to revolution and social change.
- It can offer a ‘liberation theology’
e. g. Martin Luther King/ Desmond Tutu.
Does McGuire think that religion can lead to social change?
Yes, but only under the right circumstances.
Therefore she recognises that not all religions are the same and that not all societies are as susceptible to other changes.
What are the 4 factors which McGuire believes can influence whether or not religion can lead to social change?
- The beliefs and practice of religion
- The culture of the society
- The organisation’s relationship to society
- The presence of a centralised authority.
How does the beliefs and practice of the religion have an impact on social change?
Some religious organisations have strong moral codes which are critical of society, and therefore seek to change it (Christianity)
Others are less concerned with this world and are more centered on the spiritual and so are less interested in making changes (Buddhism).
How does the culture of the society have an impact on social change?
In societies where religious beliefs are central to the culture, religion may be used as a justification for any social change.
How does the organisation’s relationship to society have an impact on social change?
Some religious organisations are much more central to the cultural, political and economic life of a society.
These organisations are more likely to produce social change as they are more influential.
How does the presence of a centralised authority have an impact on social change?
In times when religion has led to social change, there has been a charismatic leader to lead the revolution and condemn the existing society.
e.g. Martin Luther King
How useful is McGuire’s contribution?
:) Useful in evaluating other arguments which try to make generalisations about religion’s role in creating/ inhibiting change by recognising that a range of factors can influence this.
:( However, it is not clear why the same religion with the same beliefs, the same relationship to culture an the same internal organisation may sometimes promote change and yet at other times promote stability.
