Beliefs In Society- Functionalism & Religion Flashcards
What is the functionalist perspective on religion?
The functionalist perspective argues that religion performs positive functions for society and individuals, such as creating social solidarity and reducing anxiety.
What is Durkheim’s second function of religion?
Religion creates cognitive capacity—the ability to think and reason—by providing concepts like time, space, and cause, which are essential for human thought.
What are examples of the sacred in religion?
Examples include the cross in Christianity, the Turin Shroud, the Kabba in Islam, and the Ganges River in Hinduism.
How do rituals contribute to social solidarity, according to Durkheim?
Rituals, such as Christian Sunday Mass or Friday Prayer in Islam, are collective practices that reaffirm society’s norms and values, binding members together.
What is the collective conscience, according to Durkheim?
The collective conscience is the set of shared beliefs, values, traditions, and norms represented by sacred symbols.
What is Durkheim’s view on the function of religion?
Durkheim believes religion creates and maintains value consensus and social solidarity by distinguishing between the sacred (holy symbols and ceremonies) and the profane (everyday life).
What is Durkheim’s method of research?
Durkheim based his analysis on studies of Australian Aboriginal totemism, where clans worshiped totems as sacred symbols representing their society.
What are criticisms of Durkheim’s theory?
Criticisms include flawed evidence from Aboriginal tribes, difficulty applying his theory to diverse societies, declining church attendance, religion’s role in conflicts, and his failure to explain the origins of religion.
What is Malinowski’s view on the function of religion?
Malinowski argues religion promotes social solidarity by addressing psychological needs in stressful situations, such as life crises (birth, death) and uncertain activities (fishing in the ocean).
What are examples of life crises and religious rituals?
Examples include funerals, which comfort the bereaved and bind society together, and rituals before dangerous activities, which reduce anxiety and unify the group.
What is Malinowski’s method of research?
Malinowski conducted ethnographic studies, immersing himself in the lives of the Trobriand Islanders, observing their rituals during safe and dangerous activities.
What are criticisms of Malinowski’s theory?
Criticisms include religion’s role in causing conflicts and his failure to explain the origins of religion.
What is Parsons’ view on the function of religion?
Parsons argues religion creates meaning by answering ultimate questions (e.g., suffering, evil) and provides core values (e.g., the Ten Commandments) that promote social solidarity.
What are criticisms of Parsons’ theory?
Criticisms include declining church attendance, religion’s role in conflicts, and his failure to explain the origins of religion.
What is Bellah’s view on the function of religion?
Bellah argues religion unifies societies, especially multi-faith ones, through civil religion, such as Americanism, which attaches sacred qualities to the nation.
What are examples of civil religion?
Examples include the pledge of allegiance, national anthems, and Nazi rallies in Germany, which unified people without belief in a supernatural power.
What is a functional alternative to religion, according to Bellah?
Functional alternatives are non-religious practices (e.g., political ideologies) that perform similar functions to religion, such as promoting social solidarity.
What is a criticism of Bellah’s theory?
There are no specific criticisms mentioned in the text.
