Social Class and Beliefs

• Marxist view on class and religion

  - Working class are the most religious, whilst the ruling class use religion as a tool of oppression (ideological weapon)

  
  

  - Educated elite maintain powerful positions and can resist change

  → the church acts as a conservative force
• Neo-Marxist view on class and religion - relative autonomy


  The church can be a force for change (Maduro, Bloch) but can also be a tool of oppression, giving the illusion of independence
• Social class and religious organisations - Church


  - Evidence suggests that church going is mostly done by the middle class

  → reflects its traditional, conservative nature

  
  

  - Church hierarchies reflect class hierarchies

  → 87% of bishops privately educated

  
  

  - However, churches are inclusive meaning they

  can attract all social classes
• Social class and religious organisations - Sects


  - Traditionally recruit from the most disadvantaged groups, those attracted to the offer of a 'theodicy of disprivilege'

  
  

  - High levels of commitment needed e.g. giving up your 'previous life' (perhaps the poor have less to give up)
• Social class and religious organisations - Denominations


  Often attract the upper working and lower middle classes e.g. Quakers, despite being anti-establishment and not mainstream
• Social class and religious organisations - Cults


  - 'Client cults' (Stark & Bainbridge) appeal to the already successful and affluent who want to become more successful

  → Sunday Assembly attracts M/C people who are spiritually deprived
• Bruce - New Age movements and social class


  NA resembles a client cult, so it appeals to those working the expressive professions e.g. counselling

  → focus on 'self-spirituality'