Religion as a conservative force

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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