Religion and Social Change - 1217 Words

â€Å"Religion can be both a conservative force and an initiator of social change†. To what extent to sociological arguments/evidence support this view. There is great debate concerning the role of religion in society, and whereas some claim that religion acts as a conservative force (that is, it inhibits change), others argue that religion is a major contributor to social change. As would be expected, many sociologists have took the middle ground, and argue that religion can act as both as conservative force, and an initiator of change. The view that religion acts as a conservative force stems from the structuralist theories of Functionalism and Marxism. Both see religion as facilitating the existence of society in its current form,†¦show more content†¦Perhaps the most influential sociologist that advocates the view that religion can cause changes in society is Max Weber, whose book, â€Å"The Protestant Ethic and The Spirit of Capitalism† examines how Protestantism played a role in changing society into a capitalist state. He proposes that the beliefs of ascetic Calvinist Protestantism created a work ethic which was conducive to the development of capitalism. Calvinists held a belief in â€Å"predestination†, that is, God allocates your place in either heaven or hell before you are born. This created a psychological problem for Calvinists, as they could not be sure as to whether they were amongst the â€Å"elect†. To solve this problem, they developed a set of values that embodied har d work, thrift and the accumulation of wealth, as surely God would not let the ungodly to prosper. These values naturally lend themselves to the â€Å"spirit of capitalism†, and Weber claims that this is why Capitalism first developed in Northern Europe, where Calvinism was most prominent. There have been many criticisms of Weber’s work however. Many claim that he misinterpreted Calvinism, and in fact, ascetic Protestants are against greed and the pursuit of money for its own sake. Many also argue that Weber misplaced causality, and many countries whereShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Social Change in Religion748 Words   |  3 PagesThe Social Change in Religion Religion has two meanings in sociology, the inclusive definition also known, as the functional definition is the most general and refers to following a set of rules or rituals. This could include football and vegetarianism, as well as more traditional religions such as Christianity and Judaism. The exclusive definition, also known as the substantive, requires a belief in a god or similar higher being. This is the definition I will beRead MoreEssay on religion and social change1102 Words   |  5 Pages Religion on social change This essay is to assess the contribution of religion as a cause of social change and what it has cause throughout the years, some say that religion acts as a conservative force, other say it is a major contributor of social change and some like to take the middle ground on this topic. Religion to sociologist can be seen in two types of ways which is either a conservative force (keeping thing the way they are) or a force for change. Those who see it as a conservativeRead MoreReligion, Acceptance, And Social Change1209 Words   |  5 Pages Throughout time, the views of homosexuality throughout a country can change. Whether its religion, acceptance, laws, or social change, the views will evolve. Greece serves as an example of a country that was once accepting of homosexuality, but is slowly progressing to not be as accepting. In Ancient Greece, homosexual relationships occurred regularly between an older man, and a younger child. As stated on pbs.org,† Traditionally these relationships involved an older man and a youth and lasted untilRead MoreThe Relationship Between Religion And Social Change1814 Words   |  8 Pagesstudy of religion has produced a range of interdisciplinary perspectives because of the sheer diversity of religious beliefs and practices, which have evolved with human history. Sociologists have theorised, to what extent religious practices and beliefs have been socially constructed, and, how these religious constructions shape other institutions and discourses throughout society and their impac t on modernity. This essay focuses on the relationship between religion and social change as proposedRead MoreThe Relationship Between Religion and Social Change Essay1126 Words   |  5 PagesThe Relationship Between Religion and Social Change In this essay I will analyze and evaluate the relationship between religion and social change in several ways. I will look at the work of various sociologists and their findings and norm’s etc. One simple argument is that in technologically underdeveloped societies religion arises as a means of explaining the unexplained. Religion, in such societies, is organized into ceremonies that involve strict hierarchicalRead MoreReligion May Encourage Rather Than Inhibit Social Change Essay examples697 Words   |  3 PagesReligion May Encourage Rather Than Inhibit Social Change There are many arguments for and against the notion of religion encouraging change in society. In his book The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, Max Weber examines the possible relationship between the rise in Calvinism, a denomination of Protestantism, and the growth of industrialisation (or capitalism). He says that the guidelines laid down by this religion state a man must have a calling inRead MoreUsing material from Item A and elsewhere assess the contribution of religion to social change (18 marks)1000 Words   |  4 PagesReligion can be powerful under the right certain circumstances for social change. However it can be argued that religion can be a conservative force. Weber argues that religious beliefs contributed to major social change- specifically the emergence of modern capitalism in Northern Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. Modern capitalism differs from capitalism as it is based on systematic, efficient and a rational pursuit of profit and profit for its own sake rather than consumption. Weber callsRead MoreReligion as a Conservative Force Essay1132 Words   |  5 PagesReligion as a Conservative Force ‘Conservative forces’ in this context can be defined as forces, which protect the existing social order, and radical forces being the opposite of conservative forces are those, which promote change. ‘’ Religion is essentially a conservative force in society and if that is true than it would also be true that religion can also play a part in social change.’ To evaluate whether religion is a conservative force or a forceRead MoreEssay Webers Approach to Religion and Sociology1706 Words   |  7 PagesApproach to Religion and Sociology Webers general approach to sociology is known as verstehen sociology; that human action is directed by meaning and that action can only be understood by appreciating the world-view of the social actor concerned. Since religion is an important component of the social actors world-view, religious beliefs can direct social action, Read MoreKarl Marx And Max Weber1332 Words   |  6 Pagesfascinated by religion science as they talked about different religion in depth that exist on earth and various perspectives of well known people on the study of religion. I chose Karl Marx and Max Weber for my paper assignment. Two sociologists and philosophers have discussed their views on religion and its impact on society. Most of the Sociologist of that time wrote about the role of religion in society, Karl Marx and Max Weber observations are particularly relevant for our course. Religion is one of