Beliefs in Society - topic 1 - theories of religion Flashcards
Sociologist define religion as three things, what are they?
Substantive
Functional
Constructionist
Definitions of religion: substantitive: What do they focus on?
They focus on the substance of religion e.g. a belief in God, there is a very clear line made between what is classed as a religion and what isn’t.
Definitions of religion: substantitive: What do they conform to?
. They conform to the widespread (western) views of religion
Definitions of religion: substantitive: What is a criticism of the substantitive definition?
Leaves no space for any practices outside of a belief in God.
Definitions of religion: substantitive: How does weber define religion?
Weber defines religion as a belief in a superior or supernatural being that cannot be explained scientifically
Definitions of religion: functional: What do they believe?
Religion plays a specific social and psychological functions for society
Definitions of religion: functional: How does durkheim define religion?
Durkheim defines religion in terms of its contribution to social integration rather than a belief in God
Definitions of religion: functional: Advantages of the functional belief?
Inclusive to all those who have a range of beliefs and practice functions needed for integration
There’s no western bias as no belief in god is mentioned.
Definitions of religion: functional: What is a criticism of the functional relief?
Just because it helps integration doesn’t mean it’s a religion.
Definitions of religion: constructionist: What is their view?
This view focuses on how the members of society define religion themselves, it isn’t possible to create one universal outlook of religion.
Definitions of religion: constructionist: What does aldridge say about scientology?
Aldridge uses scientology to show how members believe that it’s a religion however the government would class it more as a cult.
Definitions of religion: constructionist: What do they not assume?
They do not assume a belief in God or the supernatural, or that it performs a function for society.
Definitions of religion: constructionist: What is a strength of this approach?
. Their approach allows them to get close to the followers and the definitions they give,
Definitions of religion: constructionist: What is a weakness of this approach?
It is impossible to generalise what counts as a religion.
Functionalist theory of religion: Durkheim: The key to religion is the fundamental distinction between what?
the sacred and profane
Functionalist theory of religion: Durkheim: What does he mean by sacred?
the sacred are the forbidden things that are taboo or inspire awe
Functionalist theory of religion: Durkheim: What are the profane?
the profane are things that have no special significance that are ordinary.
Functionalist theory of religion: Durkheim: Religious worship is what…
religious worship is worship to society.
Functionalist theory of religion: Durkheim: Why is religious worship, worship to society?
Sacred things evoke powerful feelings due to how they represent something greater, the only greater thing is society so religious worship is worship to society.
Functionalist theory of religion: Durkheim: He believed to study something in great detail we must study its origin, so for society we would study what?
a clan society e.g. Arunta.
Functionalist theory of religion: Durkheim: describe the arunta tribe?
These tribe worship totem poles as it symbolises the clan’s origins, they create a feeling of solidarity. To Durkheim they’re really worshipping society.
Functionalist theory of religion: Durkheim: Sacred symbols represent what?
Sacred symbols represent society’s collective conscience