2B Func Flashcards
What does Durkheim define sacred objects as
Things set apart and forbidden that inspire feelings of awe, fear and wonder and are surrounded by taboos and prohibitions
What Durkheim define profane objects as
An object tgat have no special meaning or significance, thibgs that are ordinary and mundane
What is Tottenism according to Durkheim
Sacred items used in religion to represent societies shared norms, values and beliefs
Without these society would disintegrate
What study did Durkheim do for tottenism
The Arunta Clan in Australia, who did totem rituals to something they worshipped
The rituals gave each member of the clan a sense of belonging and awe
What did Durkheim say about the feeling of tottenism
The feeling of awe is reflective of the power of the group which each member is utterly dependent on therefore they are worshiping society
Evaluation of Durkheim theory (tottenism and scared/profane)
Evidence on tottenism is unsound, no sharp divison between sacred and profane
Hard to apply these situations where there are 2 conflicting belief systems, the theory explains social integration with community but never any conflict
What does Malinowski say about religion
Performs psychological functions for individuals, helping them cope with emotional stress that undermine social solidarity
What are the two situations where religion performs psych role MALINOWSKI
Where outcome is uncontrollable
At times of life crisis
What study did Malinowski do on uncontrollable outcomes
Island fishers who do rituals when fishing in the ocean to ensure safety as it was dangerous but never when fishing in a lagoon as it was safe and predictable
What does religion do in times of life crisis, MALINOWSKI
Helps to minimise disruption to social solidarity
Funeral rituals reinforce a sense of solidarity
Attempts to answer ultimate questions
What are the 2 other functions of religion according to Parsons
Creates and legitimises society’s values, making norms and values sacred, promotes consensus and then social stability
Primary source of meaning, answers ultimate questions, why do people die young? Without answers life would be meaningless and we may not believe in today’s values, answers=stability
Evaluation of func religion (3)
Emphasises positive functions of religion, ignores negative aspects, such as oppression of the poor and women
Marxists point out that religion can be dysfunctional to society, reinforces RCI and prevents revolution
Western society’s have become secular with declining church attendance, suggests religion is no longer influential enough to reinforce collective con
