Religion can act as both a conservative and progressive force in society. Some sociologists see religion as preserving traditions and the status quo, while others like Weber argue it can encourage social change, using the example of Calvinism giving rise to the Protestant work ethic and capitalism. Liberation theology in Latin America showed how the Catholic church mobilized against dictatorships and for the poor, acting as an agent of social change. However, religious movements may fail to bring widespread change if they do not connect with mainstream beliefs, as with the New Christian Right in the US.
1. Religion and social change TO DESCRIBE A RANGE OF EXAMPLES ON RELIGION AND ANALYSE THEIR ROLE IN SOCIAL CHANGE UNDERSTAND SOCIOLOGICAL EXPLANTIONS OF THE ROLE OF RELIGION IN SOCIAL CHANGE EVALUATE RELATIONSHIP THE ANALYSIS BETWEEN RELIGION, SOCIAL STABILITY AND SOCIAL CHANGE
2. The role of religion Sociologists that have studied the role of religion in society tend to fall into one of two broad camps: 1. Those who see religion as a CONSERVATIVE force (conservative means keeping things the way they are.) These sociologists see religion as a force for stability and order. They may well favour a functionalist or a Marxist point of view. 2. Those who see religion as FORCE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE– supporters of this position point to the role of religion in encouraging societies to change. They may well be influenced by the writings of Max Weber.
3. Religion is a conservative force Religion is traditional and upholds traditional customs and beliefs to how society should be organised. 2. It functions to conserve or preserve the status quo
7. Weber Religion as a force for change An Example: The Protestant Ethic Calvinism brought about a work ethic that gave rise to capitalism (was one of the contributing factors, others resources, trade etc)
8. The spirit of capitalism Capitalism is based on the systematic, efficient, rational pursuit of profit for its own sake, rather then consumption (not spent on greed for wealth as in pat). The spirit had Elective affinity (unconscious similarity) to the Calvinist beliefs and attitudes. Weber Religion as a force for change
10. Hinduism and Confucianism Other societies had a higher rate of economic growth then Northern Europe in the C16th and C17th, but still failed to adopt modern capitalism. China and India were more materially advanced but didn’t adopt capitalism due to their lack of religious belief like Calvinism. They promote rewards in the other life, good deeds and other goals that lacked the material drive that Calvinism created.
11. Evaluation of Weber Before we begin, write down 3 key points that you feel summarise Weber’s theory. Religion is a force for social change The Protestant work ethic Theodicy - predestination
15. The American Civil Rights Movement Bruce – CRM = Religiously motivated social change Campaigning involved direct action (marches, boycotts, demonstrations). Segregation outlawed in 1964 The Black Clergy played a major role (Dr Martin Luther King) giving moral legitimacy to activists. They provided sanctuary and unity. Appealed to common Christian values of equality http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QZik4CYtgw&feature=related
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18. The New Christian Right Campaigns increase profile since 1970s Use of media – Televangelists – to make converts and recruit new members Links with the Republican party New moral majority formed as a pressure group http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXOEAz46vMk
19. The New Christian Right The NCR has been largely unsuccessful New moral majority – not a majority – but 15% of population Found it difficult to cooperate with other religious groups Oppositional groups – pro-choice Bruce NCR = Failed movement for social change Didn't connect with the mainstream beliefs about democracy, equality and religious freedom (as CRM did)
20. Marxism, religion and change Marxists recognise that religious ideas can have relative autonomy (can be partly independent from the economic base) so can sometimes be a force for change as well as stability Marx thinks religion humanises a world that exploitation has made inhuman Engels – inhibits change but can also challenge the status quo and encourage social change- fight against slavery
21. Marxism, religion and change Like Engels – (inhibits change but can also challenge the status quo and encourage social change)- Ernst Bloch believed that religion could inspire protest and rebellion. Religion is an expression of the ‘principal of hope’ Cast a vision of a better world and how this can be achieved (with political organisation leading to social change)
22. Liberation theology Emerged in 1960s, Catholic church, opposition to military dictatorships and commitment to helping the poor in Latin America. Big move away for the Church from supporting elites and accepting poverty. Arose due to 3 factors Deepening rural poverty Human rights abuses by military dictatorships Commitment of priests to ideology that supported HR and the poor
23. Liberation theology Priests harboured freedom fighters, developed literacy programmes, took the sides of the oppressed and mobilised support. In 1980s the Church’s official line changed and it condemned liberation theory on the grounds that it resembled Marxism. The priests had to concentrate on the pastoral activities – not political struggles. The movement has since lost influence. Most countries are now democracies and Catholicism has got more conservative. But still defends democracy and HR
24. Liberation theology Liberation theory has led Marxists to believe that religion can be a force for social change. Otto Maduro– religion can be a revolutionary force that brings about change. The religious ideas radicalised the clergy in the fight for the peasants and workers Lowy – questions Marx’s view that religion always legitimises social inequality. Other Marxists disagree that it can bring about change – depends on definition of the social change
25. DebateAll religions should be abandoned as they as they cause more problems than they solve! Agree Wars through out history Ideology Terrorism Acceptance of fate Intolerant attitudes. Disagree Personal comfort Solidarity Social Change Religious texts Norms and values Each group should prepare an opening statement, that outlines your general perspective. After this any member of the group can make a point. You should also have a closing statement to sum up why your perspective is correct.
26. Millenarian movements Millenarian movements are an example of the desire to change things on earth at present and bring about the kingdom of God. Millenarian movements expect the immanent transformation of this world by supernatural means. The group will be saved on earth and will live in utopia on earth – Peter Worsley Worked well amongst poor, exploited groups, especially in the colonies.
27. Millenarian movements Millenarian movements used traditional beliefs, ideas and images with Christianity . They united tribal movements and became mass movements. The were the precursor to the political movements to overthrow colonial rule. For Marxists they were the first awakening of the proletarian self consciousness
28. Gramsci: Religion and hegemony Interested in hegemony – how the government use ideas to control society. Hegemony – the way the RC use ideas (RELIGION) to control the WC Government have popular consent to rule so there is no need for coercion. Catholic Church helped win support For Mussolini’s fascist regime.
