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Religion can both be a conservative force and an initiator of social change. To what extent do sociological arguments and evidence support this view of religion?
Member rating: No Rating | Words: 2411 | Submitted: Fri Dec 21 2007
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Religion can both be a conservative force and an initiator of social change. To what extent do sociological arguments and evidence support this view of religion? (40) There are a number of possible relationships between religion and social change. Religion can either promote social change, or can be a factor in helping to promote it. On the other hand, religion itself may not influence changes in society, but there is still a relationship between the two. Functionalists and Marxists both argue that religion does not bring about change in society. They believe that religion acts as a "Conservative Force" and that it is changes in society that shape religion, not religion shaping society. A conservative force can have two meanings. It is usually used to refer to religion as preventing change and maintaining the status quo. However, it can also refer to promoting traditional beliefs and customs that can bring about social change....
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