Social Change

Question 1

Religion as a conservative force

Answer 1

(no change)

• Marxism
• Feminism
• Functionalism

Question 2

Dual character of religion

Answer 2

Bloch
Religion has both a negative and positive influence on social change, as a Marxist he accepts that religion often inhibits change but emphasises that it can inspire change and rebellion
Religion can be an expression of hope, our dreams for a better life which contain images of utopia can help the world see what needs to be changed
Religion can create an image of a better world and bring about social change, with effective leadership and organisation

Question 3

How can religion can lead to social protest?

Answer 3

Bruce
Uses the example of the civil rights movements in America
- Black clergy formed the backbone of the civil rights movement, led by MLK they played a decisive role, giving support and moral legitimacy to civil rights activists
- Church provided meeting places and a sanctuary from racism
- Black clergy were able to shame white clergy through their shared Christian value of equality and hypocrisy of preaching ‘love thy neighbour’
- Black churches successfully campaigned for support across America

Question 4

How did calvanism lead to social change?

Answer 4

Weber

• The idea of predestination (God has already decided who will enter Heaven) caused salvation panic, Calvinists did not know whether they’d be saved
• No individual could predict God’s wishes
• Glorified God by devoting themselves to work, however this would not earn salvation it was simply a religious duty
• Led a worldly ascetic lifestyle, luxury is shunned
• Acquired vast amounts of wealth, did not believe in spending - invest, help business grow
• Emergence of Capitalism

Question 5

Evaluation of Weber

Answer 5

Tawney
Tech changes, caused the birth of capitalism. It was after capitalism that the Bourgeoise adopted Calvinist beliefs to legitimise their pursuit of economic gain

Question 6

Liberation theology and social change

Answer 6

Movement emerged in the Catholic Church in Latin America, previously a conservative institution, factors which led to the liberation theology were:

• Deepening poverty and the growth of urban slums in Latin America
• human rights abuses such as torture and death squads and military take-overs murdering political opponents

Unlike traditional Catholicism which supported the status quo, the liberation theology set out to change society, priests helped the poor establish ‘support groups’ called base communities, which helped workers and poor fight oppression under the protection of the church
- Priests were often the only authority figures who took the side of the oppressed, raised awareness and advocate for the poor and mobilised support

Question 7

Evaluation for the liberation theology

Answer 7

Maduro
Believes religion can be seen as a revolutionary force that brings about change. In the liberation theology, religious ideas radicalised the Catholic clergy in defence of the peasants and workers, making them believe serving the poor was a religious duty