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Religion, Belief and Faith

Religion, social change and whether religion is positive or negative

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 03

Overview

Recall questions on functionalist, orthodox Marxist, neo-Marxist and Weberian views of religion and social change, the Calvinist beliefs Weber linked to the spirit of capitalism, arguments that religion is positive or negative for society, and evidence that religion is a conservative force or a force for change.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What is the orthodox Marxist position on religion and social change?

Key term

How does the neo-Marxist position on religion and social change differ from the orthodox one?

Evaluation

Summarise the Weberian argument that religion can cause social change.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    How do functionalists see the relationship between religion and social change?

    Model answer

    They generally treat religion as a conservative force that stabilises society, with religious change following wider social change rather than causing it.

  2. 2

    What is the orthodox Marxist position on religion and social change?

    Model answer

    Religion is a conservative brake on change because, by compensating the exploited and legitimating inequality, it helps prevent revolutionary consciousness developing.

  3. 3

    How does the neo-Marxist position on religion and social change differ from the orthodox one?

    Model answer

    Neo-Marxists accept religion often supports the status quo but insist it can also generate radical challenge, as in movements where clergy mobilised the poor against oppression.

  4. 4

    Summarise the Weberian argument that religion can cause social change.

    Model answer

    Weber argued ascetic Protestant beliefs unintentionally produced the disciplined, profit-reinvesting outlook that helped modern capitalism take hold in the West.

  5. 5

    Which Calvinist beliefs did Weber link to the spirit of capitalism?

    Model answer

    Predestination, the idea of work as a divine calling, and a this-worldly asceticism that encouraged hard work and discouraged spending on luxury.

  6. 6

    Give two arguments that religion is positive for society.

    Model answer

    It builds solidarity around shared values, and it motivates extensive charitable, welfare and community work.

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