Conservative force

• What is a conservative force?

  Keep things the same/traditional
• Functionalists


  Religion reinforces social norms and values

  eg Durkheim, Parsons, Malinowski

  Americanism -> civil religion

  Christian scriptures and rules
• Marxists


  Religion maintains capitalism

  eg Althusser, Marx, Bloch, Billings

  Hindu caste system -> keep in class place

  Divine right of kings -> God chosen

  Islam -> work is important
• Feminists


  Religion maintains patriarchy in society

  eg El Sadaawi, De Beauviour, Woodhead

  Female genital mutilation

  Women not allowed leadership roles (Islam)