Define/Discuss - Religion/Hinduism

Question 1

Matches between ideologies and social structures?

Answer 1

Animism- shaman is the leader

Stratified- catholicism - there is a hierarchy (pope, bishop, priest, etc.)

Question 2

Religious v Secular ideologies?

Answer 2

Religious ideology explains a social order including the cosmos.
Secular ideology just explains a social order.

Question 3

Universality v Particularity?

Answer 3

Religion is universal but relative to a particular culture/society

Question 4

The three theories of the functions and purposes of religion?

Answer 4

1. Intellectual- people need explanations. they need to understand “why things are the way they are”
2. Psychological- religion helps us cope (with death, anxiety, things we can’t control)
3. Sociological- provides a way for people to come together. helps people share values. feelings of unity/trust

Question 5

Links between ideology and social structure using Hinduism?

Answer 5

1. Brahmin- mouth (speak) - priests/scholars
2. Kshatriya- arms (support system) - politicians/rulers/warriors
3. Vaisya- thighs (workers) - trading/craftspeople/ cowherding/farming
4. Sudra/Dalit/Untouchables- feet (slaves) - sweepers (of human waste/dead)

Question 6

Three strategies for controlling populations; social reproduction; forms of resistance; and specific examples from “Caste at Birth.”

Answer 6

1. Reincarnation- reborn in another body
2. Karma- your actions in one life affect you in your next life
3. Avoiding pollution- poo, piss, puke, placenta, plasma (blood) people are not supposed to touch these