Religion and Social Change

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Why is religion viewed as a conservative force?
It is traditional and defends traditional customs, beliefs, institutions, moral views and gender roles. Also, it functions to maintain the status quo.
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What is Max Weber's 'Protestant Work Ethic'?
Calvinism believes only the elect will enter heaven (divine transcendence). Calvin encouraged a life of asceticism which created the Protestant Work Ethic because hard work and success led to wealthy, industrial nations.
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Why did Hinduism fail to create a 'Protestant Work Ethic'?
It directed its followers' concerns away from the material world and towards the spiritual world. It was other-worldly.
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Why did Confucianism fail to create a 'Protestant Work Ethic'?
It was a this-worldly religion that directed its followers towards the material world but was not ascetic.
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How do Marxists criticise Weber?
Kautsky argues capitalism came first and the protestant work ethic was then invented by the bourgeoisie to make the proletariat work hard for them.
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How does Bruce argue the Civil Rights Movement was a force for social change?
The black clergy were the backbone of the movement and their churches provided safe meeting places and religious rituals which were a source of unity in the face of oppression.
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In which ways are religious organisations equipped to support social change?
Taking the moral high ground (pointing out the hypocrisy of the white clergy), channeling dissent (MLK's funeral was a rallying point), acting as a honest broker (the church is respected by both sides) and mobilising public opinion
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What do the Christian New Right do and how?
They campaign to make abortion, homosexuality, gay marriage and divorce illegal. Instead, they believe segregated gender roles are the way forward. They make effective use of the media and 'televangelism' to promote their views.
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Why is the Christian New Right a failed force for change?
Their views disagree with the democratic views of American society; they are not compatible with mainstream society. Most Americans are comfortable with legalising activities they view as immoral. They need to connect with mainstream beliefs
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What does Marxist Ernst Bloch argue?
Religion has both a positive and negative effect on social change. Religion can be used to inspire rebellion and protest and is therefore an expression of 'the principle of hope'.
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What is Liberation Theology?
A movement in Latin American (1960s) with a strong commitment to the poor and opposition to military dictatorships.They sought to help the poor fight oppression under the protection of the church and educated the poor about their situation
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What factors led to Liberation Theology?
Deepening poverty and the growth of slums in Latin America, human right abuses following military takeovers, the growing commitment among Catholic priests to an ideology that supported the poor and oppressed violations of human rights
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What are Millenarian Movements?
They predict the imminent transformation of this world by supernatural powers to create a 'heaven on earth'. The transformation will be collective. They appeal to the poor because they offer immediate improvement and change
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What is hegemony?
The way the ruling class use ideas such as religion to maintain control.
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What happens when hegemony is established?
The ruling class can rely on popular consent to their rule and there is no need for coercion, force and violence
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What is counter-hegemony?
The w/c develop an alternative version of how society should be organised
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What does Gramsci argue?
Religion has a dual character and can challenge as well as support the ruling class
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Explain Dwight Billings case study of class struggle
The miners were more militant, struggling for better working conditions while the textile workers excepted the status quo.
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Which three ways does Billings identify in which religion can support or challenge hegemony?
Leadership, organisation and support
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Card 2

Front

What is Max Weber's 'Protestant Work Ethic'?

Back

Calvinism believes only the elect will enter heaven (divine transcendence). Calvin encouraged a life of asceticism which created the Protestant Work Ethic because hard work and success led to wealthy, industrial nations.

Card 3

Front

Why did Hinduism fail to create a 'Protestant Work Ethic'?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Why did Confucianism fail to create a 'Protestant Work Ethic'?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

How do Marxists criticise Weber?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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