the amercian civil rights movement

religion as a social protest

who is the key sociologist for ‘amercian civil rights movement’

bruce

context on the movement

began in 1955 when rosa parks refused to sit at the back of the bus

campaigning involved marches, protests, and boycotts

decade later segregation was outlawed

how does bruce describe the black clergy

the backbone of the movement

what did bruce say about the black clergy’s churches

they were placed of sanctuary from the threat of white violence

rituals - singing, collective prayer were a source of unity in the face of oppression

church rituals, black clergy - how can this link to functionalists

Malinowski - religion preforms psychological functions for individuals during life crisis and reinforces solidarity

Bruce says the black clergy were able to shame the whites into changing through what…?

appealing to their Christian values of equality

what was the impact of this influence from the black clergy

little impact on the white clergy in the south, however gained national support and message reach wide audience

identify the 4 different ways in which religious organisations are well equipped to support protests and contribute to social change

Taking the moral high ground

Channelling dissent

Acting as honest broker

Mobilising public opinion

taking the moral high ground

black clergy pointed out hypocrisy

‘love thy neighbour’ but supported racial segregation

channelling dissent

religions providing channels to express political dissent

ex. the funeral of Martin LK was a rallying point for the civil rights cause

acting as honest broker

church acts a negotiator and they are seen as a mutual party in conflict

mobilising public opinion

black churches in America successfully campaign for support across the whole of America

how does Bruce see the civil rights movement as an example of religion becoming in secular struggle and helping to bring about social change?

it shared the same values as wider society and those in power

it brought about change by shaming those in power to put into the practice the principle of equality that all men and women are equal