A-Level Sociology (AQA)

Topic Summaries

Beliefs in society

Religion as a force for social change

  • The Protestant Ethic: (👤 Weber, 1904) Calvinist beliefs encouraged disciplined work and reinvestment, helping develop capitalism.
    • Capitalism also arose in non-Calvinist regions.
  • Neo-Marxism: 👤 Engels (1844) recognises religion’s potential to inspire change. 👤 Bloch (1954) sees it as “the principle of hope.” 👤 Maduro (1982) highlights Liberation Theology’s role in opposing dictatorships in Latin America.
    • Religious activism may still be limited by institutional constraints.
  • Civil Rights and New Christian Right: 👤 Bruce (1988) sees the black clergy in the US Civil Rights Movement as crucial in mobilising support. In contrast, the New Christian Right’s attempts at change have largely failed.
    • Success depends on aligning with wider societal values.

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