Religion can be both a conservative force and an initiator of social change to what extent do sociological arguments evidence support this view of religion.

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‘Religion can be both a conservative force and an initiator of social change’ to what extent do sociological arguments evidence support this view of religion.

There are many different views on whether religion is a conservative force or an initiator for social change or both. Functionalists, Marxists and Feminists have generally disagreed with the idea that religion can cause social change in society, although, their views do differ. They believe that religion acts as a conservative force, i.e. that it prevents social change. Although both Functionalism and Marxism offer a argument of religion’s role in society, many are critical of such views, like Neo-Marxists and Max Weber, arguing that religion does not act as a conservative force, but acts as a radical force instead.

Functionalists see that religion acts as a conservative force. Religion is seen by functionalists as part of the culture or way of life of a society, and it helps to maintain cultural traditions and establish the basic rules of social life. Religious beliefs, such as totemism, and attending ceremonies and rituals, binds people together and building bonds between them. Creating social stability and a social solidarity. In maintaining social solidarity, religion acts as a conservative force. Durkheim believed that social life was impossible without the shared values and moral beliefs that form the collective conscience. This is because shared regular religious rituals reinforce the collective conscience, social solidarity and maintain social integration, therefore preventing any damaging rapid social change.

 However, there is a growth for secularization, it’s difficult to see how religion can be functioning to socialise the majority of society's members into morality and social integration if only a minority of people regularly attend church. Religious thinking, practice and institutions are becoming less important both in the lives of individuals and in society. Therefore religion is declining so how can Durkheim say its Bonding people together.

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Malinowski agrees with Durkheim that religion promotes solidarity. However he suggests that it does this by promoting psychological functions for individuals He saw. Religion fulfilling the needs for emotional security and relieves situations of emotional stress which threaten social stability and solidarity. For example after studying the Trobriand island tribe He found out that the only food they get from a wide open sea. Going there is putting their life ate risk. Therefore less chance of success/survival. And the tribe performed religious rituals for the fishermen before fishing. He found out that his increased sense of control for the families ...

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