Religion and social change L.O. Examine the relationship between RELIGION and SOCIAL CHANGE

Religion as a conservative force How can religion be seen as a conservative force? ‘Traditional’: Upholds Moral views, functions to preserve things the way they are. - Maintains the status quo - Stabilises society

Religion’s conservative beliefs Oppose changes that would allow people to have more sexual freedom: Can you think of how religion may do this? Upholds family values and favours a traditional patriarchal domestic division of labour. How does religion do this?

Religion’s conservative functions Preserves the status quo- Marxists/Functionalists/Feminists, Contributes to social stability Religion and consensus- prevents society from disintegrating and promotes social solidarity, also helps us to deal with stresses that would otherwise disrupt society. Religion and capitalism- Marx sees religion as conservative ideology that prevents social change, by legitimating and disguising inequality. It creates false consciousness in the working class and prevents revolution. Feminists see religion as a conservative force as it is an ideology that legitimates patriarchal power and maintains women’s subordination in the family and wider society.

Spirit of capitalism (SoC) Before Calvinism many societies had capitalism in the sense of greed for wealth but the SoC was brought about by Calvinist beliefs and attitudes. The SoC is based on an ordered rational and efficient pursuit of profit for its own sake rather than for consumption.

How did Calvinist’s beliefs affect their lives? Calvinists led an ascetic lifestyle- they did not want luxury- it was not valued to want and have luxurious items. Worked long hours Practised religious self-discipline Idleness was viewed as a sin Worked hard at whatever they did

What effect did this have? The wealth and success performed a psychological function and helped them cope with the salvation panic. A Calvinist view: ‘why would God have allowed me to prosper and get very wealthy if he did not favour me and choose me to be saved?’

Any more effects… They acquired lots of money- they were efficient in business due to an excellent work ethic and did not squander it on luxuries- so what did they do with all of this money? They reinvested it in businesses. Their businesses grew and produced further profits- this Weber says is modern capitalism- where the object is to make more and more money. Calvinism was one of the causes of modern capitalism

Religion and social protest Steve Bruce 2003 is also interested in the relationship between religion and social change. He compares two examples of the role of religiously inspired protest movements in America that have tried to change society: - The Civil Rights Movement and - The New Christian Right.

The American civil rights movement What was the civil rights movement? 1950’s –1960’s racial segregation Rosa Parks How does Bruce see religion in this context as an ideological resource? Montgomery Alabama USA

How are religious organisations equipped to support protests to bring about change? Taking the moral high ground: Channelling dissent: Acting as an honest broker: Mobilising public opinion:

The New Christian Right Conservative fundamentalist Protestant group opposing liberalising of America, a movement which has been gaining momentum since the 90s www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2zY3Ez83bo So this is an example of ………..