Discuss the Contribution Feminism Has Made to Our...

Paula Gourley Discuss the contribution feminism has made to our understanding of the sociology of religion. Illustrate your arguments with sociological examples. The sociology of religion examines the significance of the role of religion within society. It is not concerned with philosophical or theological issues such as the existence of God. Rather the sociology of religion examines how beliefs and practices affect behaviour, how religion is understood and how it influences social life. It also looks at the characteristics common to all religions and the factors which influence the way it is organised. Feminism is one area within sociology which takes a critical view of religion. Feminists regard religion as a source of social opium to†¦show more content†¦For Marx too religion appealed to the person: who has either not yet found himself or has already lost himself again...... It is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world....It is the opium of the people (Selfe and Starbuck,1998:22). Marx believed that people become alienated from each other due to the economic system, in which capitalism divides people t hrough class inequalities. Religion emerges as a product of this alienation in which people try to gain acceptance of their lot in life. Among poor immigrant groups religion remains strong. Religion is therefore a drug and a product of society which makes things bearable. The caste system in India which relies on Hindu religious beliefs helps to maintain and justify caste discrimination (Selfe and Starbuck, 1998). Even though Marx acknowledged the comforting role of religion, he focused on its repressive, restraining qualities which help to maintain the status quo. He suggested that often religion provides justification for inequalities of wealth and power and argues that we must free ourselves and not fear the gods we have created. He argued that religion prevents people from challenging the source of their oppression and provides them with a false consciousness. People believe they will be compensated for their suffering in the next world. Like Functionalists, Marxists agree social institutions control and socialise individuals butShow MoreRelatedSociology Essay20437 Words   |  82 PagesAS Sociology Sociology Nik Jorgensen Text  © Nelson Thornes Distance Learning 2010 Illustrations  © Nelson Thornes Distance Learning 2010 All rights reserved. The copyright holders authorise ONLY users of NTDL AS Sociology to make photocopies for their own or their students’ immediate use within the teaching context. No other rights are granted without permission in writing from the publisher or under licence from the Copyright Licensing Agency Limited, of Saffron House, 6–10 Kirby StreetRead MoreRastafarian79520 Words   |  319 Pagesabout Ennis Edmondss Rastafari: From Outcasts to Culture Bearers is that it correctly traces the connection between the emergence of Rastafarianism and the history of resistance and black consciousness that has been part of the Jamaican experience for years. The truth is that there has always been a committed Jamaican counter- culture that celebrates and sees redemption in Africa and rejects the European values that have oppressed a society. But prior to the advent of popular culture and especiallyRead MoreOrganisational Theory230255 Words   |  922 Pagesorganization theory the book increases the understanding of a field that in recent years has become ever more fragmented. Organization theory is central to managing, organizing and reflecting on both formal and informal structures, and in this respect you will find this book timely, interesting and valuable. Peter Holdt Christensen, Associate Professor, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark McAuley et al.’s book is thought-provoking, witty and highly relevant for understanding contemporary organizational dilemmasRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 PagesOral History and Public Memories Tiffany Ruby Patterson, Zora Neale Hurston and a History of Southern Life Lisa M. Fine, The Story of Reo Joe: Work, Kin, and Community in Autotown, U.S.A. Van Gosse and Richard Moser, eds., The World the Sixties Made: Politics and Culture in Recent America Joanne Meyerowitz, ed., History and September 11th John McMillian and Paul Buhle, eds., The New Left Revisited David M. Scobey, Empire City: The Making and Meaning of the New York City Landscape Gerda Lerner

GCSE English Coursework The Crucible Essay - 1437 Words

GCSE English Coursework: The Crucible The Crucible. Arthur Miller, ‘The Crucible’ is a play based upon the events of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. The story is about a religiously motivated town. The story is about a group of girls’ who are led by Abigail, who blamed witchcraft for their troubles. Being a strict Christian society the people of Salem believed in the girl’s stories. In conclusion this led into 20 people being falsely accused, and hung. The girl’s stories were easy to believe because of many reasons. Salem town was filled in a Puritanism belief. Everything they did was for God; they were doing God’s work. With this they believed that the bible was the ultimate answer to any question. When something went†¦show more content†¦During McCarthyism there was a fear in the US about communism. This is Arthur Miller got his inspiration from because both time periods had fear of others and both are alike. Both the societies are very similar. The girl’s stories could easier be believed; the bible says that children are pure innocent people. It mentions how adults should be more like children because of their innocence. The girl’s could easily be believed. If the society hadn’t of been religious then the stories probably would not of been believed. The people had religious attitudes. Because of superstition and old grudges, people would accuse people of witchcraft for ridiculous things. When Mrs Putman lost her babies she accused Rebecca Nurse because she had lots of children of her own and thought she was using witchcraft. She mentions, â€Å"You think its God’s work you should never loss a child, her grandchild either, and I bury all but one?† This clearly shows how jealous she was of her and led into her being hung. Other reasons for the hangings were people’s personal differences and grudges towards other people. Also personal differences complicated issues to do with the witchcraft also. John Proctor had an affair with Abigail Williams who was their former slave. Elizabeth Proctor fired when she figured out that they were having an affair. Abigail used this to her own advantage. As a physical appearance, Abigail is a â€Å"strikingly beautiful girl† but she is a person who

Smoke and Mirrors by Imagine Dragons free essay sample

Imagine Dragons’ second hit album, â€Å"Smoke and Mirrors† is a successor to their previous album, â€Å"Night Visions.† Although â€Å"Night Visions† was the album that made Imagine Dragons the global success that they are today, â€Å"Smoke and Mirrors† presents the new approach that Imagine Dragons has taken towards music, with a largely different and diverse style. The variety can be easily recognized, as â€Å"I Bet My Life† is an upbeat and active song, while holding little similarity to the slower and intense songs like â€Å"Gold.† Yet, regardless of the beat or melody, their songs still incorporate their signature themes, such as the fear of failure or disappointment that make an Imagine Dragons song excel at expressing real-world feelings. Out of the entire album, my favorite track would have to be†Shots.† Similar to â€Å"I Bet My Life,† the melody of this song is relatively lighthearted, but the lyrics e xpress a deeper feeling akin to that of uncertainty regarding one’s own actions. We will write a custom essay sample on Smoke and Mirrors by Imagine Dragons or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The name of the song reveals this theme of indecisiveness through the lyrics â€Å"Oh I shot, shot, shot a hole through every single thing that I loved,† as the singer finds no other way to cope with the distress he inflicts on those he loves. The juxtaposition of thoughtful lyrics with an energetic melody keeps me coming back to this song whenever I’m in the mood for music. Even so, the most unique song, regardless of my opinion, is indisputably â€Å"Gold.† The song’s drum beats reverberating in a slower yet intense tempo, along with lead singer Dan Reynolds’ rhythmic vocals, serves to create a distinctive rock song about the popular mythos of King Midas. Once again, Imagine Dragons has proven their creative talent by writing meaningful and sophisticated lyrics, thereby setting the band apart from many other musicians of today. â€Å"Smoke and Mirrors† has received mixed reception from popular organizations such as Rolling Stone. â€Å"Th e radio kings second album is full of angsty rage, but theres more smoke than fire,† the magazine described in a recent review. This goes to show that Imagine Dragons’ departure from their old style in â€Å"Night Visions† has not been widely accepted by both fans and critics alike. Those expecting more of the same from Imagine Dragons previous songs can expect to be somewhat disappointed. Nevertheless, certain fans including myself, given an adequate amount of time, will come to appreciate the surge of heartfelt music the band has dedicated in â€Å"Smoke and Mirrors.†