Evaluate the view that religious beliefs and organisations are barriers to social change. (20 marks)

This question requires students to present theories/ perspectives that argue that religion prevents social change or maintains how things currently are in society. Students should first address the view in the question - that religion inhibits change. In the first section they could draw on perspectives such as Feminism, Marxism and Functionalism to argue this. Students should use key terminology when referring to each perspective such as patriarchy (in regards to Feminism), alienation ( Marx) and collective conscience (Functionalism). For each perspective, specific sociologists such as Karen Armstrong, Lenin and Malinowski could also be discussed to add depth to the answer and gain evaluation marks. It is also important that students give examples of specific religions/ religious practices which relate to the argument.Throughout the answer, students should refer back to the question to demonstrate how each piece of evidence relates to it. E.g. "Feminist theories support the view that religion is a barrier to social change rather than a radical force in society.This is because..." This will show the examiner that they have read the question properly and help them to gain full marks.In the second part of the essay, students should look at perspectives which argue that religion can cause social change or does not prevent change. Ideas that could be referenced include Calvinism, The American civil rights movement and Marx's idea of religion having a "dual character".Students can do further evaluation by criticising perspectives in the first section. For example, Linda Woodhead argues that there are religious forms of feminism. This would go against the view that religion is a patriarchal force that prevents social change.Further critique can also be made of the arguments against religion being a barrier to social change. For example, Tawney argues that technological change, not Calvinism caused capitalism. This kind of further evaluation will help put students in the top grade bands.Students can conclude by saying that whether society creates a barrier to social change or not depends on factors such as time and place. Ideas such as whether there would be differences between capitalist vs non-capitalist countries can be discussed as well as concepts such as secularisation and globalisation and how they influence religion today.