Sociology – Paper 4 – Religion: Religion and social order | e-Consult
Paper 4 – Religion: Religion and social order (1 questions)
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Both paradigms acknowledge that religion influences social hierarchy, but they differ in interpretation:
- Functionalist view (e.g., Durkheim, Parsons):
- Religion provides a moral justification for existing social structures, promoting social harmony.
- It reinforces the status quo by encouraging acceptance of one’s position as part of a divine order.
- Legitimisation is seen as beneficial because it reduces conflict and maintains cohesion.
- Conflict view (e.g., Marx, Weber):
- Religion is an ideological tool used by dominant groups to mask exploitation and maintain power.
- It promotes false consciousness, persuading the oppressed to accept inequality as ordained by a higher power.
- Legitimisation is therefore a mechanism of oppression rather than social stability.