Religion bringing about social change.
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The conflict view of sociology claims that society is perpetually in a state of conflict. Different groups, typically divided along socio-economic lines according to Marx, compete for power in society. The group in power uses government, money and influence to maintain their own power and keep other groups from advancing politically, socially and economically. It is also interesting that typically those who espouse a conflict point of view belong to the group that is not currently in power or who somehow feel taken advantage of.
A disenfranchised group of society may come to the point where they have tried many different strategies to bring about social change. Sometimes when more direct efforts have been stymied groups have turned to religion as a way to bring about social change.
An excellent example of religion being used to bring about social change is the Pentecostal movement in Brazil. Brazil is the 5th largest country by population in the world. It was settled by the Portuguese in the 17th and 18th centuries, gained its independence in 1822 and has since grown into one of the most powerful nations economically in the world. The Portuguese brought with them the Catholic religion. Brazil is still the most populous Catholic country in the world with over 130 million professing Catholics. However, the Protestant Pentecostal movement has been growing by leaps and bounds, gaining converts mainly from the Catholic faith. In 1980, 89% of the population professed Catholicism, by 2000 that number had fallen to 74% and the most recent survey conducted in 2006 shows that only 60% of the urban population claims to be Catholic.
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Solution Summary
This is a discussion regarding religion and social change. From a conflict point of view, explain how religion can be used to bring about social change. Over 500 words of original text along with websites containing additional information and supporting evidence.
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The conflict view of sociology claims that society is perpetually in a state of conflict. Different groups, typically divided along socio-economic lines according to Marx, compete for power in society. The group in power uses government, money and influence to maintain their own power and keep other groups from advancing politically, socially and economically. It is also interesting that typically those who espouse a conflict point of view belong to the group that is not currently in power or who somehow feel taken advantage of.
A disenfranchised group of society may come to the point where they have tried many different strategies to bring about social change. Sometimes when more direct efforts have been stymied groups have turned to religion as a way to bring about social change.
An excellent example of religion being used to bring about social change is the ...
Purchase this Solution
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