- Religion Can Be Both a Conservative Force and an Initiator of Social Change. to What Extent Do Sociological Arguments and Evidence Support This View of Religion?

Conservative vs. Radical Essay

* Religion can be both a conservative force and an initiator of social change. To what extent do sociological arguments and evidence support this view of religion? (40 marks)

The role of religion in society has conflicting views that various sociologists believe in. Some claim that religion acts as a conservative force, those who believe this say religion keeps society the same and does not let it develop and move on. Others argue that religion is a major contributor to social change.

Both Functionalists and Marxists see religion as a conservative force, which means that they believe religion keeps society the same and does not let it develop and move on. Functionalists see this as a positive thing, beneficial for society; however Marxist sociologists see it more in a negative light.

Functionalist’s such as Durkheim believes that religion has a number of functions that serves the purpose of maintaining social stability and harmony. For example, functionalists believe that through the act of collective worship in the form of religious practices, religion helps bond and unite individuals that promotes value consensus and social solidarity. Functionalists see religion as a conservative force in that it helps to integrate individuals and allows them to realise the collective conscience.

In contrast, Marxists see religion as acting as a conservative force by preventing revolutionary change. Engels claimed that the appeal of Christianity lies in the hope of salvation from bondage and misery. Those who suffer are promised an afterlife of eternal bliss, and this reduces their desire to change society.

Although both Functionalism and Marxism offer a plausible account of religion’s role in society, many are critical of such narrow views, arguing that religion does not act as a conservative force, and actually has the completely opposite purpose for example, that it acts as a radical force, a force for change. Neo Marxism...