Beliefs in Society: Perspectives Flashcards
Defining religion: substantive definition of religion
Weber defines religion as the belief in a superior/supernatural power that cannot be scientifically explained.
Defining religion: functional definition of religion
focus on the social and psychological functions of religion. Durkheim looks at how religion helps with social integration. this is inclusive of many practices and beliefs, that doesn’t have to have a belief in a supernatural being.
Defining religion: constructionist definition of religion
interpretivist approach: focus on how members define religion. it isn’t possible to create one universal definition of religion. Aldridge states that to Scientology members, it is a religion; however, the government has tried to ban it.
Defining religion: AO3
functional and constructionist definitions both consider an internal function for individuals.
Substantive definition is the only definition that considers content.
functional and constructionist definitions both believe there doesn’t need to be a supernatural being.
functionalism: Durkheim’s general beliefs
Durkheim noted that something may seem profane to a non-believer, but it can provoke powerful emotions in those who believe. he said symbols were significant, they represent a shared set of beliefs, values, traditions, and norms which make social life possible. these shared practices are defined as a collective conscience.
Functionalism: Durkheim’s study on Totemism
society is divided into clans and the members of each clan have duties to each other. each clan has its own totem which symbolises the Aboriginal God and the clan. the clan worship through song and dance. the symbols on each totem have individual meanings specific to that can and their God.
Functionalism: what are the 3 functions of Totem?
Collective consciousness: without this, society cannot survive. Durkheim stated regular acts of collective worship are critical in ensuring society survives.
Social solidarity: shared experiences of community. Repeating rituals to unify society’s members. The shared, internalized experiences encourage an awareness that as individuals we are relatively insignificant and dependent.
Individual support: religious beliefs and practices provide individuals with a sense of renewed strength/confidence and enthusiasm to help them.
functionalism: Durkheim’s functions of religion for society and the individual.
individual:
motivation to face up to life
society:
unifies members around around individuals
encourages social integration
social solidarity
both:
provides norms
social support based upon a sense of belonging
meanings, traditions, and class consciousness.
functionalism: Malinowski - the need for religion
life crisis: religion minimizes the potential disruption caused by death, creating a ‘valuable mental attitude’. Religion’s forceful assertion of immortality comforts the bereaved. religious rituals of the funeral ceremony bind together the survivors.
uncertain outcomes: Trobriand Islanders. fishing—when the seas were calm, they didn’t see any need for religious rituals, but when the islands fished outside the calm seas, the fishing was preceded by rituals.
functionalism: Parsons beliefs on religion
According to Parsons, religion is the primary source of meaning for society’s members. It provides and legitimates the core values of the culture and, therefore, promotes social solidarity and stability. He claimed that religion helps people deal with ‘life crises’, which would otherwise produce anomie and threaten social order.
functionalism: Bellah and Americanism
The concept of civil religion was popularised by Bellah, who drew on the ideas of Durkheim and Parsons. Parsons argues that Americans were unified by values and orientations derived from Protestantism. Durkheim states that any human group may be unified in a shared insight of ‘sacred’ beliefs and practices. This led Bellah to conclude that despite America’s social divisions, what largely unified them was an overarching ‘civil’ religion: a faith in Americanism.
social solidarity: rallies
collective consciousness: national anthem
individual support: aftermath of twin towers.
functionalism: evaluation
- functionalism fails to explain where religion comes from and the divisions it causes. For example, religion keeps women suppressed.
+ Religion is seen as a good thing for society and good for individuals by reinforcing social solidarity and collective consciousness. - Durkheim only examined religion on a small scale, can this be applied to today’s larger and more complex society?
marxism: marx views on religion
there is a conflict between the bourgeoisie and proletariat. religion helps keep the proletariat in place, and the beliefs justify the power and dominance of the ruling class.
marxism: opium of the people
this compares religion to a drug which keeps people unaware of their position (false class consciousness)
compensator for suffering:
Religion makes poverty more tolerable by offering rewards and compensation e.g. religion promises the reward of eternal life in paradise.
Justifying social order:
God is believed to create and maintain social order. The social order is inevitable and natural. Those at the bottom of the social order accept their position as a choice of God.
Religion dulls pain:
Religion makes the promise that there will be eternal bliss in the afterlife. e.g. Christianity promises salvation.
Supernatural intervention:
We hope that the supernatural will provide interventions to solve our problems on earth. E.g., we turn to religion when we have a difficult time to give us strength.
marxism: religion as ideology
religion distorts reality by encouraging the belief that people are dependent on a supernatural being. the belief that we are controlled by another being makes people feel like they don’t have control over their lives. religion justifies the position and social order, and the proletariat sees their exploitation as God’s will.
marxism: religion as ruling class justification
the ruling class are religious to justify their position to themselves and others. it justifies why the rich are rich and the poor are poor. people are blind to their situation - false class consciousness.
marxism: religion and alienation
the nature of work in a capitalist society means the workers are alienated. religion prevents revolution and makes people feel part of something bigger than themselves. (social solidarity)
marxism: evaluation
+ In Medieval Europe, Kings and Queens believed they were chosen by God, the ‘divine right of Kings’. They were only answerable to God, which helped them justify their absolute power as they weren’t accountable to any person or group.
- marxism doesn’t consider secularisation. The ruling class cannot impose their ideology on the majority as a lot of the population doesn’t attend church.
- there isn’t any evidence for false class consciousness. It is just a biased assumption that the working-class are blind to their oppression.
What do all Feminists believe?
All Feminists believe that women are subordinate in society
Different feminist viewpoints disagree about the cause of this subordination.
What key explanation do all feminists share?
All feminists share the use of patriarchy as a key explanation of society.
According to Liberal Feminists, what causes differences between men and women?
Differences between men and women are due to socialization.
How are behaviors reinforced according to Liberal Feminists?
Behaviors are reinforced by sexist laws and rules.
What is the proposed solution by Liberal Feminists for achieving sexual equality?
The non-gendered socialization of children and the introduction of laws ensuring sexual equality.
What do Liberal Feminists believe is an important step in achieving sexual equality?
Women should be allowed to hold office in religious organizations.
