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AQA Sociology Beliefs in Society questions and answers
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AQA Sociology Essays – Beliefs in societyOutline and explain two reasons why sects tend to recruit members from
particular social groups. (10 marks) One reason sects tend to recruit members
from particular groups, such as ethnic minorities, is due to these groups being
more likely to be marginalised. Marginalisation refers to feelings of loneliness,
isolation and being pushed out of mainstream society due to differences. For
instance Bellah says members of the Black Muslim Movement in the 1960’s
found support within sects, they felt like they belonged within a group. This
demonstrates ethnic minorities are likely to join sects to find a sense of
community and comfort. Another reason sects tend to recruit members from
particular social groups, such as working classes is due to the ‘Theodicy of
Disprivilege’. The Theodicy of Disprivilege refers to religions that provide a
reward, such as salvation in the afterlife. For instance Christianity teaches
followers that wealth is unimportant when gaining a place in heaven. This shows
that working class individuals are likely to be recruited by sects as they appeal to
those who are poor and deprived.
Item: Religion gives people principles by which they can live their lives and
gives them a profound sense of being right. Religious beliefs sometimes
lead believers to act in ways that can have unforeseen consequences for
society. Many sociologists therefore argue that religion can lead to social
change. Analyse two ways in which religion can lead to social change. (10
marks)
One way in which religion can lead to social change is demonstrated by
Calvinism bringing about modern Capitalism. The ‘principles by which they lead
their lives’ include vocation, earning lots of money to become wealthy and
asceticism, refraining from luxury. Calvinists instead reinvest in businesses,
generating more wealth leading to the emergence of Capitalism. Although other
sociologists have claimed that Calvinism is not unique other religions could have
also brought about this change. Another way in which religion can lead to social
change is demonstrated through the black led clergy led by Martin Luther King
bringing about racial equality in society. The American Civil Rights movement
appealed to Christian values for instance by pointing out the hypocrisy of ‘love
thy neighbour’ but enforcing racial segregation. The black led clergy brought
about racial equality through the movement, showing the ways in which religion
can lead to social change. However religions such as the Westboro Baptist
Church failed to bring about social change they wish to enforce such as
illegalising abortion and homosexuality.
Item: The development of modern society has been accompanied by a
scientific approach to understanding and controlling the world. Scientific
explanations, based on evidence and reason, have challenged religious
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