Analyse/Evaluate the view that religion serves the needs of powerful groups

20 marker

Introduction

• Definition of religion: A shared system of beliefs, symbols and practices centred around the sacred, which often provides meaning and social order.

• Marxists and Feminists argue religion primarily serves powerful groups by legitimising inequality and maintaining control.

• However, religion is not always experienced as a large institution; for many individuals it has personal, spiritual meaning, which challenges this view.

Paragraph 1- Marxism: Religion as ideological control

Point:

• Marxists argue religion serves the ruling class by legitimising class inequality.

Explain:

• Religion encourages the working class to accept exploitation by presenting inequality as natural, God given.

Evidence:

• Karl Marx escribed religion as the “opium of the people”, meaning it dulls the pain of exploitation and discourages resistance, which benefits the ruling class.

Analysis:

• Furthermore, Louis Althusser argues religion is an ideological state apparatus, meaning it spreads ruling-class ideology subtly through beliefs, reinforcing domination without force.

Evaluation:

• Functionalist theory argues religion serves society as a whole, promoting value consensus and social cohesion rather than ruling-class interests. (Durkheim)

Paragraph 2- Feminism: Religion serves patriarchy

Point:

• Radical Feminists argue that religion serves the needs of powerful patriarchal groups by reinforcing male dominance.

Explain:

• Religious beliefs and organisations often place men in positions of authority while portraying women as subordinate, legitimising gender inequality.

Evidence:

• Simone de Beauvoir argued religion socialises women into submissive roles by portraying them as closer to nature and less rational, supporting male dominance.

Analysis:

• Furthermore, radical feminist theory argues religion is a key patriarchal institution that systematically maintains male power by embedding gender inequality into sacred beliefs, rituals and religious leadership structures, making patriarchy appear unchallengeable.

Evaluation:

• Liberal feminist theory challenges radical feminism by arguing religion is capable of reform rather than being inherently patriarchal. Liberal feminists point to increasing female participation in religious leadership and reinterpretations of sacred texts as evidence that religion does not inevitably serve male power.

Paragraph 3- Social action theory: Religion does not serve the powerful

Point:

• Social action theory argues religion does not necessarily serve powerful groups because it is shaped by individual meanings and interpretations.

Explain:

• Individuals are active agents who choose how to practice religion, rather than passively accepting institutional control.

Evidence:

• Max Weber argued religion is based on meaningful social action, showing beliefs motivate behaviour rather than simply control it.

• Davie’s concept of believing without belonging shows declining institutional authority.

Analysis:

• Furthermore, interpretivist theory argues religion is a flexible resource individuals use for identity, comfort or moral guidance, limiting its usefulness as a tool of elite domination.

Evaluation:

• Structural and Functionalist theories argue individuals’ beliefs are shaped by wider social structures, meaning religion can still indirectly support existing power relations.

Conclusion

• Marxist and Feminist theories strongly support the view that religion serves powerful economic and patriarchal groups.

• However, social action and interpretivist approaches show religion can be individually meaningful and resistant to control.

• Overall, religion can serve powerful groups, but this view is not universally applicable and depends on how religion is experienced and practiced.