Religion and Social Change

Calvinism is a form of protestant that was formed during the reformation. Weber argues that it is the Calvinist’s beliefs that helped bring about social change and modern capitalism. For example one of Calvinists

This dramatic increase resulted in great periods of growth and invention (Hatzifotis, 2017). Max Weber’s The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism looked at the relationship between Protestantism and the emergence of modern capitalism. He discussed how Protestant’s involvement in business and profiting was

The main sociological theories all believe religion acts as a conservative force in society in a sense that religion helps keep things the way they are and keep everything stable. However some of these theories may be against the idea that religion acts conservative force for their own reasons. For example Feminism believes that religion acts as a conservative force nevertheless they are against it as they believe it oppresses women by keeping women’s status the same.

Many of the first immigrants who left England were protestant Christians. Thus, they brought many of their ways of thinking into their new home. In Max Weber’s “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism”, Weber claims how the Christian branch Calvinism was used to perpetrate divisions of economic classes of people. Ingrained in the Calvinist sect of Christianity was this belief that God had predestined some to receive salvation and others to be sent to hell. This notion is evident when Weber says, “ Calvinists believed in predestination.

Historically, religion and politics have always played a very significant part in our everyday lives, dating back to the ancient pharaohs of Africa to our modern day society, the relationship between religion and politics can be traced through centuries of human history in various civilizations. Both religion and politics prescribe, legislate, and enforce codes of behavior, promote collective action, and create group identification. There are numerous examples of how religion continues to contribute to the formation and evolution of political ideas and institutions. For a good example of how religion affects politics in our modern world we need not look very far but in our own backyard. The influence of Catholicism on Latin American politics, and the role religion plays on Middle Eastern politics have had a profound affect in those related societies. The Catholic charismatic movement has also become more and more politically active”.

11.) Religion may be viewed as a social control as a result of the restrictions it places on its followers. For example, the religion of the Amish prevents them from accepting modern day technologies and restricts them to many constricting rules. Another example could be the Roman Catholicism. The Roman Catholic Church has (or has had in history) a large amount of power, not just over the biblical things but also over political venues. The Church would use this power over its members, causing them to conform to the church and its

The 1920s is notorious for being a good time, with its reputation of being full of fun parties and extravagant living. Those wealthy enough were able to enjoy that along with all the other changes in American culture. In the 1920s the use of installment buying, credit, and stock market investments became a typical part of life. Technology that improved home life, like vacuums and radio, were desired, and these shifts in culture added to the stigma that good times would continue forever. The American people were not aware that common habits in the 1920s would lead to the Great Depression in the 1930s, during which unemployment reached over 25%, the economy struggled, and the fun times ended. The Great Depression was caused by experts that encouraged

For Weber, the idea of rationalism rational thought based on societal efficiency and productivity, runs through his works particularly The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. In this seminal work, Weber argues that the idea of Protestantism contributes to history and economics in that piety and the chance for a better life after death cause humans to strive for economic gain in certain ways, whereas that is not always using work as an expression of self - it is work, as Marx might say, for the ends justifying the means, rather than the means justifying what work is being done. Authority, then, rather than being solely economic, does have at its

Religion in any time and has several profound influences on its society affecting the moral codes, gender relationships, and

We all have some experience with religion. Whether our parents are religious, our own religious views, or others who try and convert you to a religion, we have all come in contact with a religion. But what do sociology and religion have to do with each other? The answer to this question is that religion meets sociology in the affects that it has on an individual or society (Schaefer, Richard T, 2009, pg 323).

“Religion is a ritualized system of beliefs and practices related to things defined as sacred by an organized community of believers.” (Basirico et.al. 379). Religion is an important element in the society because it influences the way individuals act and think. It has shaped the relationship and bonding among families as well as influenced the decision made in economics and politics. Religion in general has contributed to shape a society and a government structure which will influence the way the individuals under certain governmental structure behave. Sociologists are interested in religion mainly because religious belief is heavily rooted in individuals’ lives and it helps sociologists to interpret human’s actions, expression, and

This stress upon the benefits of work fueled capitalist development. However, critics of Weber point out nascent forms of capitalism had developed before Protestantism. They also believe that he misinterpreted Calvinism and Puritanism. But while some Puritans may not have been as economically-minded as Weber would suggest, there is no doubt that by the 16th and 17th centuries, preachers like John Cotton were advocating God "would have his best gifts

A time where I learned a gender role was from my dad, he has taught me to take care of my brother and look out for him. Since I’m the older brother I have to protect from all the bad this world gives. No matter what happens I will always support my brother in whatever he does along with making sure he going in the right direction in life. One thing my dad told me when I was starting middle school is that if my brother ever got into a fight with another person that he wants me to jump in and help my brother out if he’s getting a beating. That's a role I would gladly accept because no one going to beat up on my little brother accept for me, I had no problem with that. Another thing he would always tell me would be that always stay close to your

Throughout history, religion has proved to be the main source of social stability in different communities and cultural groups. Everything that is part of a societal system, including law, is influenced by religious beliefs and practices of that society. This being said, most religions are based on the theory that there is a single more powerful entity, that has control over aspects of which humans do not. For the longest time in history, sociologists have argued that peer group, political movements, schools and most importantly, the family to be agents of socialization. Because of this reason, they have ignored the role played by religion in the perpetuation of cultural as well as social

According to Marx, religion can be seen as the opiate of the people (Engels, Marx 1955, p.41). Here, Marx is suggesting that just like opium, religion is trying to relieve people of the pain and suffering in their lives. Marx also puts forward the idea that religion is used by its oppressors in order to make people feel better about their lives. Thus, it can be seen that Marx chooses to adopt a negative view of religion. Max Weber can be seen as the only sociologist to place so much scope and emphasis on the subject of religion (Nisbet, p.250). Biographical and textual evidence suggests that biblical religion played a part in shaping and influencing Weber's life and the context of his sociology. Weber's main concern was to attempt to demonstrate that religious ideologies were not mechanically connected to the economic structure of society, however it does shape individuals behavior and actions in everyday life (Swingewood 1984, p.152). Weber also came to several conclusions regarding the remarkable relationship between capitalism and Protestant. According to Weber, the more capitalism had a free hand to alter social distribution, the larger the relationship between capitalism and protestant (1930, p.4). Overall, it can be seen that the three main sociology theorists differ greatly when it comes to ideas regarding to religion.