Religion & Social Change
Sociologists don't agree on what meant is meant by social change. Social change is about major changes in the structure of society.
Examples of religion helping initiate social change:
Islam revolution in Iran 1979.
The fall of communism in Poland 1980's
Apartheid in South Africa
Roman Catholic Church's support for democracy.
The Civil Rights movement (1960's)
Martin Luther King fought for equality for African-Americans.
He was reverend in the Southern Baptist Church.
MLK used non-violent demonstrates in acquiring social, political and economic rights for black people in USA.
Religion as a conservative force
Despite their different views, both Marx and Durkheim see religion as performing a conservative and stabilising role.
Durkheim- Religion integrates people by promoting a sense of group identity (social cohesion). Religion represents collective consciousness of society and forms part of society's value system. Religion values function to bind members of society together and maintain social order.
Marx- Religion stabilises society but this is done through fundamental inequalities and preventing change. Religion offers fantasy escape for grim reality of exploitation in a capitalist society. E.g. Institutional religions closely linked to state.
How is religion conservative?
- Religion supports status quo so it's likely to support the basic institutions of society.
- Religion inhibits social change in order to protect interests of ruling class.
- The Roman Catholic Church's opposition to birth control and abortion can be seen as a means of religion inhibiting social change.
- The church may support traditional values as a way of opposing wider social change.
Maduro
In particular circumstances, religious ideas promote social change and override ruling class ideology.
The only places which people can gather safely in large numbers are religious places (churches, temples, mosques)
Political leaders are reluctant to challenge religious leaders because they're considered 'sacred' and it would be a very controversial issue.
This means religious figures have the ability to lead their people into political activism (people feel confident in upholding their views).
Evidence: Christian Churches were involved in the overthrow of communism in Eastern Europe. Martin Luther King and Civil rights.
Islamic revolution in Iran 1979.
Inhibiting change and protecting status quo in society. Religion acts to maintain relationships in society, prevents social reform, e.g. blocking freedom to divorce/ carrying out abortions.
Functionalism- idea of social equilibrium (balance) central to functionalist theory. Religion plays vital role in maintenance of social balance necessary for society's survival.
Parsons- Primary function of religion promote fundamental values- basics that integrate members into society preserving it's future.
Religion promotes social change
Weber- Religion ideologies have potential to generate large-scale social changes. In circumstances, religion make important contribution to social change.
This is in same 20 marker as Weber & Religion