Social Change

Some sociologists argue that religion acts as a force for social change. It can be used to challenge mainstream beliefs and values, and inspire protest against the existing social order. However, other sociologists suggest that the relationship between religion and social change is not straightforward and that religion can even prevent social change.

Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate the view that religion acts as a force for social change. (20 marks)

‘challenge mainstream beliefs’

• Maduro - religion can be a revolutionary force that brings about change

• Gramsci - religious leaders could take the role of organic intellectuals, building a counter hegemony, popularising ideas that go against m/c

• Liberation Theology - Romero

  • Political stability, deepening rural poverty, human rights abuses

• C - lost influence with his assassination and Pope John Paul II

  • Brought about democracy but didn’t threaten existing social order

‘against existing social order’

• Spirit of capitalism - Weber

  • Calvinists helped create capitalism due to their beliefs - trying to convince themselves they are part of the elect out of salvation panic

  • Reinvested all their successes

• C - Kautsky - capitalism created calvinism - it is seem in Catholic Europe before Protestant Reformation

‘prevent social change’

• Religion prevents gender equality

• de Beauvoir - teaches that women should be subservient and promises compensators, allowing men to rule with impunity

• Prevents improvement as the religious believe this is the way life should be

• C - Armstrong - not all religions are like this - early religions placed women at the centre