Evaluating Conservative Theories

FUNCTIONALISM STRENGTHS:

• It may be that religious beliefs are now generally viewed by society as social values. These still underpin many aspects of social life in the UK, such as the law; beliefs regarding how education and family life should be organised; holidays and festivals.

• Religion is still extremely powerful globally, particularly outside of Western Europe.

FUNCTIONALISM WEAKNESSES:

• Church attendance has fallen dramatically in most Western societies, such as the UK. It’s therefore difficult to see how the church can be socialising into morality and social integration.

• Some people conduct their acts of religious worship individually.

MARXISM STRENGTHS:

• Haley (1972) – Methodism prevented working class revolution in the 19th century. Britain was one of the only European nations that didn’t experience some kind of proletariat attempt to bring about social change. Instead working class dissatisfaction was expressed by deserting the Church of England, which was seen as a party of the landed classes. Methodism encouraged enlightenment in spirituality rather than revolution.

• There’s a strong connection between the ruling class or Establishment, state and religion in the UK. The King is head of the state as well as Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England. Church of England Bishops sit in the House of Lords and so can influence legislation.

MARXISM WEAKNESSES:

• Some religions have brought about radical social change and helped remove ruling elites. Recently in Britain, churches have provided safe havens for immigrants facing deportation.

• It fails to consider secularisation. Surely the ideological power is undermined by the fact that less than 10% of people attend church.