Theoretical views of the relationship between religion and social change
Theoretical views of the relationship between religion and social change
Theoretical Perspectives on Religion and Social Change
- This topic explores the various ways that sociologists theorise the relationship between religion and social change.
Marxist Theories
- Marxists view religion as a conservative force, viewing it as an ‘opium of the people’ that dulls the pain of exploitation.
- Marxists believe religion inhibits social change by creating false consciousness among the working classes, making them less likely to challenge inequality.
- Neo-Marxists such as Gramsci, however, acknowledge the potential of religion to challenge the status quo and stir social change.
Functionalists’ Perspective
- Functionalists consider religion as a stabilising force that supports social order and cohesion.
- Durkheim argued that religious rituals strengthen social solidarity by creating collective conscience.
- According to functionalists, religion only brings about social change when it acts as a force for integration and social stability.
Interactionist View
- Interactionists focus on the meanings and symbolism attached to religion and its role in shaping people’s actions.
- They look at how religion can provide a framework for social action, potentially leading to social change.
- An example can be taken from Thomas Luckmann’s “invisible religion” concept, which shows how personal belief systems can influence behaviour and instigate social change on a micro-scale.
Weberian Approach
- Max Weber challenged the idea that religion always acts as a barrier to social change.
- He suggested religion could be a catalyst for change, as seen in his study of the Protestant Reformation.
- He highlighted the ‘Protestant ethic’ and the spirit of capitalism, where Calvinistic beliefs led to economic transformation and the development of modern capitalism.
Neo-Weberian Perspective
- Taking forward Weber’s work, neo-Weberians such as Talcott Parsons and Bryan Wilson view religion as an adaptive force.
- They argue that in a complex, pluralistic society, religion can take on new forms in response to social change, thus facilitating further transformation.
Feminist Stance
- Feminist theorists view religion as a source of patriarchal norms and values, thus reflecting and reinforcing gender inequalities.
- Some feminist scholars also acknowledge the potential of religion to challenge patriarchal norms and instigate social change, as seen in ‘thealogy’ and the rise of feminist spirituality.
Understand these perspectives, their contrasts, and how they interpret the relationship between religion and social change for a nuanced grasp of this topic. Use these theories as a framework to analyse and discuss the role of religion in society.