Definitions of religion Flashcards
1
Q
How many definitions of religion are there?
A
three - substantive, functional and constructionist
2
Q
What is the substantive definition of religion?
A
Believe in God or the supernatural - Weber (1905) (exclusive)
3
Q
What is the functional definition of religion?
A
Serves social or psychological functions for social integration into society/ social cement Durkheim (inclusive)
Yinger - answers meaning of life questions e.g. life after death
4
Q
Social constructionist definition of religion
A
No single definition - the meanings people give to religion to be e.g. Scientology - Aldridge 2013
