Essay
AQA A level sociology Theories of religion (Beliefs In Society) Evaluate 20 marker
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20 mark response which outlines the peele structure through colour coding . Evaluate the claim question .
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Fatima FarahColour coding for structure of paragraph
1. Point
2. Evidence
3. Explanation
4. Link
5. Evaluation
Applying material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the claim that
religion performs an ideological function in the interests of powerful groups –
ITEM A –
Some sociologists argue that religion performs an ideological function and
operates in the interests of powerful groups in society. For example, feminists
see religion as helping to sustain male domination of society. They point to the
patriarchal nature of sacred texts, such as the Biblical story of Eve causing
humanity’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden, and their role in legitimating the
subordination of women. Marxists, too, see religion as an ideology that distorts
people’s perception of reality in capitalist society and helps prevent revolution.
Introduction -
Sociologists are interested in the functions that religion performs and
whether it contributes positively or negatively to society and its
members. Both Marxist and feminist sociologists argue that religion
legitimates class inequality, promotes patriarchy and female
subordinance. Whereas functionalist sociologists such as Durkheim
argue that religion has positive functions that enable social solidary
and social cohesion to exist in society.
According to item A, ' some sociologists argue that religion performs
ideological functions ‘. Marxist sociologists such as Karl Marx argue this
also, Marx states that religion performs ideological functions, distorting
the realities of disadvantaged members of society. Marx argued that
the ruling class have complete control over all major institutions in
society and they make use of religion to legitimate the suffering of the
poor by presenting it as virtuous. For instance, maltreatment in the
workplace is portrayed as a test from God and something that will make
them favored in the afterlife if they act resiliently. This in turn, benefits
the ruling class as their production and institutions still operate due to
this indoctrination. Similarly, Lenin argues that religion acts as a
'spiritual gin ‘, an intoxicant used by the ruling class maintain the
status quo and the capitalist structure. Therefore, Marx argues that
religion is utilized by the ruling class to maintain their operation of
their institutions and most importantly the status quo, through the
reformulation of religious teaching which cause the working class to
cooperate and conform. On the other hand, functionalists’ sociologists
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