Topic Summaries

Religion as a conservative force

A-Level > Sociology > AQA > A Level Sociology Topic Summaries > Beliefs in society > Religion as a conservative force
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Exam overview
  • Functionalism:
    • 👤 Durkheim (1912) sees religion as reinforcing social solidarity.
    • 👤 Malinowski (1954) highlights its role in managing stress during crises.
    • 👤 Parsons (1937) sees it as supporting core values and moral codes.
    • 👤 Bellah (1967) describes civil religion as uniting diverse societies.
        • Overlooks religious conflict and diversity in beliefs.
  • Marxism:
    • 👤 Marx (1844) stated that religion acts as the “opium of the masses,” legitimising inequality and preventing revolution.
    • 👤 Lenin (1905) called religion “spiritual gin” used to pacify the oppressed.
        • Neo-Marxists argue religion can also be a force for change.
  • Feminism:
    • Religion reproduces patriarchy through exclusion from leadership, segregated worship, male-dominated sacred texts, and restrictive customs.
      • 👤 Woodhead (2002) notes that some women find liberation in religious dress like the hijab.
  • Interpretivism:
    • 👤 Berger (1969): religion provides a “sacred canopy,” giving meaning and a framework for understanding life events.
      • Declining religious authority in pluralistic societies undermines this.

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