Religion and society

Definitions

Substantive (beliefs in the supernatural), functional (what religion does for society) and social constructionist definitions.

Perspectives

• Functionalist (Durkheim): religion creates collective conscience and social solidarity through the sacred and rituals; Malinowski – helps people cope with uncertainty; Parsons – provides meaning.
• Marxist: religion is "the opium of the people", ideology that legitimates inequality; but neo-Marxists see religion as a possible force for change (liberation theology).
• Weber: the Protestant ethic contributed to the rise of capitalism – religion can cause social change.
• Feminist: many religions are patriarchal, though some women find empowerment in religion.

Religion in Zimbabwe

Christianity (mainline, Pentecostal, African Initiated Churches such as Zion and Apostolic churches), African Traditional Religion, Islam and others. Syncretism blends traditions. Religion played roles in both colonialism and the liberation struggle (spirit mediums).

Secularisation debate

Is religion declining? Indicators: attendance, belief, influence of religious institutions. In Africa, religious participation has grown, with rapid growth of Pentecostalism and the prosperity gospel.

Religion and social issues

Religious organisations provide education, health and welfare; they also raise concerns about exploitation, refusal of medical treatment, and child marriage in some groups.

Check yourself

1. Why did Marx call religion "the opium of the people"?
2. What did Weber argue in The Protestant Ethic?
3. Give one piece of evidence against secularisation in Africa.