Social change/ conservative force

Question 1

Weber calvinism and capitalism

Answer 1

• Calvin, god had elected who would enter heaven (predestination)
• Calvinists restricted themselves from luxuries & put their wealth into private businesses, growth and prosperity.
• Weber argues calvinist work led to capitalism (for own benefit not consumption)

Question 2

How is religion used in social protest?

Answer 2

• honest broker, respect both sides, seen as above politics
• mobilise public opinion, network to spread the message

Question 3

How was religion used in the civil rights movement?

Answer 3

• aim to end social segregation & gain equal rights for the black community in America. led by Martin Luther King
• used Christian values to unite people finding a
  common ground. allowed the movement to gain legitimacy and followers
• Bruce, successful as was peaceful and gained public support

Question 4

Durkheim religion as a conservative force

Answer 4

• social stability and prevents society from disintegrating
• Totemism, kinship with a spirit being like an animal/ sacred symbols
• worshipping society, uniting society’s members into a community.
• however difficult when a community has 2 or more religions

Question 5

Parsons religion as a conservative force

Answer 5

• beliefs and rituals support the maintenance of social order during social change (norms)
• e.g christian 10 commandments govern behaviour (e.g thou shalt not kill)
• helps individuals cope with difficulties which disrupt social life.

Question 6

Malinowski religion as a conservative force

Answer 6

• Agrees with durkheim that religion promotes social solidarity
• performs psychological functions:
• Trobriand islanders- no anxiety when fishing in lake, no rituals. High levels of anxiety in ocean with sharks, complete rituals (canoe magic)
• fear of death, religion which outlines an afterlife can provide comfort
• not applicable in modern society (technology, medication, cbt)

Question 7

Marxist perspective on religion as a conservative force

Answer 7

• ideology restricts social change
• Marx, religion operates as an ideological weapon used by ruling class legitimise suffering of the poor
• religion is the opium of the people, religion can ‘relax’ WC from oppression in lives, hope for afterlife

Question 8

Feminist perspective on religion as a conservative force

Answer 8

Religion legitimises patriarchy, & women’s subordination

• lack of female positions within organisations, not priests but serving tea and cakes
• duties enforced by men e.g women not having a choice in marriage/divorce
• Eve perceived as a temptress, disobeying god dragging down Adam with her (distraction)
• religious texts, men are gods, prophets and saints, reproducing patriarchy. texts all written by men.

Question 9

Interpretivist perspective on religion as a conservative force (Berger)

Answer 9

• Theodicy, contradiction of existence of god although there is wide suffering.
• Religion is a sacred canopy stretching over society, protect from social change
• this has been lost no longer a source of meaning