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aqa alevel sociology beliefs summary
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A concise summary of all the content needed for aqa sociology A-level for the beliefs module
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Topic one- what is a religionSubstantive definition: focus on the content of religious beliefs, eg Weber says its the belief
in a superior power hats above nature and cannot be scientifically explained
but it's culturally western biassed, ignores religions like Buddhism without a god like that
Functional definition: focus on what it performs for individuals, eg Durkheim says its the
contribution to social integration, rather belief in a god
but just because institutions integrate individuals doesn't make them religions
Constructive definition: an interpretivist approach based on how individuals define, construct
and challenge religion so it's not possible to produce a single universal definition. eg
Aldridge shows how Scientology is a religion for its followers but has been denied legal
religion status, showing how definitions are influenced by those in power
but impossible to generalise as everyone has a different view on what counts
Functionalism:
Durkheim: promotes value consensus and social solidarity through collective rituals and
worship. Eg, arunta tribe collectively worship totems that represent their culture/history to
bind them together. Therefore religion is used by all to benefit all
but it's outdated for modern western multicultural countries
Malinowski: it has psychological functions that help people cope with stress/uncertainty that
would otherwise undermine social solidarity e.g. the Trobriand Islanders use rituals of canoe
magic to ensure safety when ocean fishing. Therefore it's comforting to people and
empowered them to undertake life's challenges with confidence
valuable as it applied to many life situations eg birth marriage death
Parsons 2 functions: creating and legitimising norms and values by making them sacred e.g.
pentecostalism with meritocracy and self discipline. Answering the ultimate questions
Bellah civil religion: religion unifies a multi faith society by attaching sacred qualities to the
society itself. e.g. the American flag is made sacred and people are binded by the pledge of
allegiance. Therefore it makes us buy into the American lifestyle regardless of faith.
Marxism:
Ideological weapon: distorts the working class perception of reality by legitimising the
working class suffering as God will and that they'll be rewarded in the afterlife. Lenin says its
spiritual Gin that creates a mystical fog to manipulate the masses into staying their place.
Therefore it causes false class consciousness to prevent a revolution
but this ignores the positives
Alienation: this is when you lose control of something you produced (true for proletariat)
Marx says that its the opium of the people as it dulls the pain of exploitation without dealing
with the cause by teaching that the afterlife weill reward them
but neo marxists argue that religion can benefit the working class eg the Liberation theology
and south american priests
Feminism:
Region is patriarchal because it perpetuates gender inequality and legitimate women's
subordination eg sexist dress codes
but
Woodhead says that religious forms of feminism can help women gain freedom and respect
like the hijab in islam letting women go out in public
, Topic Two- religion as a conservative force
Religion is a conservative force because it upholds traditional beliefs about how society
should be run like customs, roles and morals. Also because it preserves the status quo,
even if this means denying people freedom eg catholicism outlawing divorce and abortion
Functionalism- CF as it maintains social solidarity
Marxism- CF as it maintains bourgeoise on top
Feminism- CF as it maintains patriarchy
Weber’s study of the protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism (Calvinism)
Believing in predestination (Gods already chose the elect who are going to heaven and no
one can do anything to change it ) and divine transcendence (god is so far above mortals no
one can ever know his will) so the uncertainty leads to salvation panic. They believe in this
worldly asceticism which says that you can glorify God through working hard in a paid job,
but they also believe in asceticism which is refraining from luxury so they load money but
cant spend it. Therefore they reinvested in businesses, earnt more and reinvested as a cycle
until they owned the means of production in the spirit of modern capitalism.
Value as no other religions could do this , eg hinduism is other wordly so followers never
earn money as they work on the spiritual devotion to god and confucianism encourages
spending on luxury goods to prove devotion to god
Religion as a social protest:
Bruce says the American civil rights movement was religiously motivated social change, led
by the black clergy and Martin Luther King who shamed whites into changing the law
through shared christian values. Therefore its an ideological resource as protestors use its
beliefs for motivation and legitimation. They take the moral high ground (pointing out the
hypocrisy of white clergy who preach love thy neighbour) challenging dissent (eg religious
ceremony of MLK funeral was a rallying point), acting as an honest broker (context for
negotiation as they are respected by both sides and above politics) and mobilising public
opinion (black churches in the south campaigned for support across all of US)
it was successful as it shared the same values (equality) as wider society/the constitution
New christian right (westboro baptist church):
Politically and morally conservative protestant fundamentalist church who oppose the
liberalisation of America eg homosexuality, divorce, abortion
Bruce says they failed because they won't cooperate (even on the same issues eg abortion),
want theocracy (rule by religious leaders) and american value free will so don't believe in
outlawing things they believe to be immoral, as other people shouldn't dictate how you live
your life
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