beliefs key sociologists

Question 1

Definitions of religion- Weber

Answer 1

Religion cannot be explained scientifically, clear line between religious + non religious beliefs, belief systems must have a god/supernatural element

Question 2

Definitions of religion- Durkheim

Answer 2

Religion contributes to social integration, rather than specific belief in God, supernatural

Question 3

Definitions of religion- Aldridge

Answer 3

definitions of religion can be contested/ influenced by who has power to define the situation e.g. scientology is a religion despite several governments trying to ban it

Question 4

Functionalist theory of religion- Durkheim

Answer 4

Sacred and profane, Totemism, collective conscience, cognitive functions of religion

Question 5

Functionalist theory of religion- CRIT- Worsley

Answer 5

Crits Durkheim- no sharp division between sacred and profane, evidence on Totemism is unsound, theory only applies to small scale societies

Question 7

Functionalist theory of religion- CRIT- Mestrovonic

Answer 7

Durkheim’s ideas cannot be applied to a contemporary society-> increasing diversity has fragmented collective conscience

Question 8

Functionalist theory of religion- Malinowski

Answer 8

Trobriand islanders study- psychological functions, crisis, when on dangerous waters they performed group rituals, solidarity

Question 9

Functionalist theory of religion- Parsons

Answer 9

Religion has 2 functions:
1. Creates and legitimates society’s central values
2. primary source of meaning

Question 10

Functionalist theory of religion- Bellah

Answer 10

Civil religion, rituals, beliefs, symbols, functional alternatives, does not have to involve a god e.g. nazi germany