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Evaluate the idea that religion acts as a conservative force in society There are many ideas and theories based around the topic of religion. In regards to the question posed the relating theories are action theories, such as Weber who argued that religion can possibly encourage change, and, structural theories, such as Marxism and Functionalism e.g. Religion being the 'Opium of the masses' as stated by Marxist sociologists. Functionalist sociologists believe that the institutions of religion maintain social stability. Functionalism is a structural theory. Emile Durkheim (Functionalist sociologist) believes religion has two functions, the first, is that it infuses norms and values into society's as well as uniting people. Durkheim, from the 1890's, predicted that today's modern societies would revere individuals instead of seeing themselves as more important, however, this was seen as an important way of keeping society together. The month of Ramadan for Muslims illustrates Durkheim's belief, this month brings Muslims...

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