-has both a negative and positive influence on society
-acts as a conservative force on society and helps to maintain social inequality and the status quo
-but can also act as a force of social change as it can offer the 'Principal of Hope' to it's followers (in extreme circumstances can lead to revolution)
Dual nature of religion- Gramsci
-church does play its part in maintaining cultural hegemony that benefits the ruling class
-but can also produce its own set of ideas and inspire social change e.g. when lower members of the church hierarchy believe they can make a difference in their community
-this creates individual autonomy which could overrideruling class ideology
Evaluation
-sees religion as being socially significant in society today despite high levels of seclurisation
-Pope John Paul II rejected the Liberation theory and told priests to focus on their religious responsibilities
Religion as a force of social change- Maduro
-in societies where protests were against the law the church would act as a safe outlet for frustration for the W/C
-religious leaders could act as charismatic leaders that inspire members to achieve and seek social change
-if religious leaders came to any harm it could catalyse the beginning of a revolution
Religion as a force of social change - Liberation theology (AO2)
-radical movement in South America as a response to the poverty and ill-treatment of ordinarypeople
-response to the failure of the Vatican to help its followers with poverty and exploitation
-priests encouraged people to force change upon society
