Definitions of religion + Functionalism Flashcards
What are the three main ways sociologists define religion?
Substantive, functional, and social constructionist.
What do substantive definitions of religion focus on?
They focus on the substance of religious belief, such as belief in God or the supernatural.
Max Weber defines religion as belief in a superior or supernatural power that is above nature and cannot be explained scientifically.
What is an evaluation of substantive definitions of religion?
This definition conforms to a widespread view of religion as belief in God, but it leaves no room for beliefs and practices that perform similar functions to religion without involving belief in God.
What do functional definitions of religion emphasize?
They define religion in terms of the social or psychological functions it performs for individuals or society.
How does Durkheim define religion?
In terms of the contribution it makes to social integration, rather than any specific belief in God or the supernatural.
What is an advantage of functional definitions of religion?
They are inclusive, allowing a wide range of beliefs and practices that perform functions such as integration.
What is a limitation of functional definitions of religion?
Just because an institution helps integrate individuals into groups, this does not make it a religion.
What do constructionist definitions of religion focus on?
They focus on how members of society themselves define religion, arguing that a single universal definition is not possible.
What is a strength of constructionist definitions of religion?
They do not assume that religion always involves a belief in God or the supernatural, allowing for diverse meanings of religion.
What is a weakness of constructionist definitions of religion?
This makes it impossible to generalize about the nature of religion, as views on what counts as a religion can vary widely.
What is Durkheim’s view on the role of religion in society?
Religion is a place where people can come together and be united as one group, creating and maintaining value consensus, order, and solidarity.
What is the distinction between the sacred and the profane according to Durkheim?
The sacred are things set apart that inspire feelings of awe, while the profane are ordinary and mundane.
What do sacred symbols represent in Durkheim’s theory?
They represent society’s collective conscience, which is essential for social life and cooperation.
What is the essence of totemism according to Durkheim?
The essence of all religion can be found by studying its simplest form in clan societies, such as the Arunta.
What role do totems play in clan societies?
Totems serve as emblems that symbolize the clan’s origins and identity, reinforcing group solidarity through shared rituals.
What does the collective conscience consist of?
It consists of shared norms, values, beliefs, and knowledge that make social life and cooperation possible.
How do shared religious rituals reinforce the collective conscience?
They bind individuals together, reminding them of their loyalty to a single moral community.
What is a criticism of Durkheim’s theory?
It may apply better to small-scale societies and struggles to explain conflicts in large-scale societies with multiple religions.
What does Parsons argue about the psychological functions of religion?
Religion helps individuals cope with unforeseen events and legitimates society’s central values.
How does religion create and legitimize society’s values according to Parsons?
By sacralizing basic norms and values, such as in the USA where Protestantism sacralizes individualism and meritocracy.
What ultimate questions does religion answer according to Parsons?
Religion provides explanations for suffering and life’s injustices, helping maintain stability.
What is civil religion?
A belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society itself, such as faith in Americanism.
How does civil religion integrate society according to Bellah?
It integrates society in a way that various churches cannot, as it involves loyalty to the nation-state and a belief in God.
What is a criticism of functionalism in relation to religion?
It neglects negative aspects, such as religion as a source of oppression, and questions whether civil religion truly qualifies as religion.
