Turner’s – material theory of religion shows how religion in the feudal time had a major impact on the lives of the ruling classes. And without religion at the time it would have been difficult to decide which member of the family inherited the landlord possessions. And as a result of this Turner does not always believe that religion has a universal role in society and that religion is always used by the ruling class to promote their ideology.
Other sociologists such as Robinson argue that in some circumstances religion is used intentionally to revolutionise changes in society. He states in order for this attempt to work that certain situations and circumstances are necessary such as: the group with the ability to change social norms need ‘to have a predominately religious world view’. And he suggested that in countries like Europe revolutionary movement do not often use religion, as the country is not so religious. But in the cases of the third world countries – this is often the well-known method of attempt to change society. Robinson goes on to discuss that in order for religion to promote change it needs to be theology, so that it can be interpreted in a way that it can be used against those in power. And that it is extremely important for the clergy and the revolutionary group to have a maintained and close contact. These clearly show that in a situation where these three factors are present, revolutionary groups are able to use religion to demand change. And this is even more effective in countries where the revolutionary groups all share same religious ideas and this is different to the ideas of those in power.
The work of Weber also shows how religion can lead to social change. Weber discourages the belief that religion is always shaped by economic factors. And that religious believes can be a major influence on economic behaviour. Weber’s social action theory states that humans are directed by meanings and motives and so religion is often used to direct action. This is because religion gives humans a detailed understanding and meaning of the world. This statement shows just how social groups turn to religion to guide their actions and as a result can be used to cause change in society. Weber’s view explored a range of detailed examples where religion has been used to promote change- in particular where capitalism developed initially in areas dominated by religious values. However Weber’s examples and views refer more to the traditional aspects of society such as the feudal system rather than the contemporary society – which is the focus of this essay. Nevertheless his views are successful in terms that it highlights the theoretical points that religious ideas lead to economic change.
However, despite the enormous evidence provided that religion can and does lead to changes in contemporary society. Other sociologists have found some evidence that contradicted these findings and have shown that it is social changes in society as a whole that lead to changes in religion. Sociologists Marxist, Functionalists and Feminist all dismiss the idea that religion can cause changes in society. And believe that it is changes in society that shape religion. From Marxist and Feminist view religion is a conservative force as it maintains the status quo – which means that it also maintains traditional beliefs. For example the Roman Catholic view against the use of contraception is believed to have restricted the growth of artificial methods of birth control in Roman Catholic countries. Marxists also believe that change in the infrastructure of society lead to changes in the superstructure. And this is often through the power of the ruling class who form norms that would maintain their status and oppress the working class. Marxists also believe that when communism appears to replace capitalism that religion would begin to disappear – this provides direct evidence that changes in society cause changes in religion.
From a Functionalist view – Parsons believes that as society develops religion will begin to lose its vital functions. Turner also supports this view by stating that religion began to decline when generations have given way to capitalism and abandoned feudalism.
Evidence has also shown that the domination of industrialisation has led to changes that dramatically reduced the importance of religion. From these points of views it appears that religion helps to maintain status quo and secondly, changes in religion are a result of changes in society.
In conclusion, ‘the question is no longer how does religion promote social change’ but rather ‘ in what ways and under what conditions does it promote rather than inhibit change?’- This is the statement made by McGuire in her work. McGuire examined some of the factors that influence the role of religion plays in society. She identified four factors that would answer the above question and determine the extend the to which religion can change society. These factors are belief, culture, social location and internal organisation. Belief refers to the belief of the religion. If a religion stresses the importance of equality then it is more likely to have an impact than a religion based on sacred and spiritual matters (Buddhism). If a religion plays a major role in terms of culture of a particular group, than it is more likely to justify changes in society. Social location concerns with whether the religion plays a major role in the political and economic life, and then it is likely to produce change. And finally internal organisation stresses the importance of a central source of authority. The greater the importance of the authority the more likely the society is liable to change.
This work is highly valuable to the argument here as her work outlines the factors, which determine whether religion acts as a conservative force – maintaining status quo, or as a force for change. This shows that in a situation that demands changes if these factors are lacking change is less likely to be successful. Most importantly this work provides a strong starting point for analysing and interpreting the relationship between religion and social change.
