functional theory of religion

Question 1

what is the functional definition of religion?

Answer 1

Defined in terms of the social or psychological functions it performs for individuals or society.

Question 2

What is durkheims function of religion?

Answer 2

the contributions it makes to social integration

Question 3

what is an advantage and disadvantage of the functional definition of religion?

Answer 3

advantage: inclusive, allows a large range of beliefs and does not specify a belief in god.
disadvantage: just because an institution helps integrate people it does make it a religion.

Question 4

what is the constructionist definition?

Answer 4

Focuses on how members of society themselves define a religion.
Aldridge- scientology is a religion among its followers but several governments reject its legal status.

Question 5

What is the sacred and the profane?

Answer 5

Durkheim- there is a fundamental distinction between the sacred and the profane. the sacred thing evoke such powerful things that the only thing that can do that is society- they are worshipping society itself.

Question 6

what is the profane?

Answer 6

the profane are things that have no special significance.

Question 7

what is the sacred?

Answer 7

the sacred are things that are set apart and that inspire feelings of awe, they surrounded by feelings of awe and taboo.

Question 8

what is totemism?

Answer 8

Durkhiem- the arunta clans perform rituals worshipping of sacred totems. when clan members worship their totemic animal they are worshiping society, represents the power of the group

Question 9

what is the collective conscience?

Answer 9

the collective conscience is the shared norms and values that promote social integration.
Durkheim- regular shared religious rituals reinforce the collective conscience and maintain social integration. Religions rituals allow us to feel like we apart of something better.

Question 10

cognitive functions of religion

Answer 10

Religion is the origin of concepts and categories we need for reasoning and communicating. Durkheim and Mauss- that religion provides basic categories.

Question 11

what are criticisms of the functional definition?

Answer 11

1. Worsley- no sharp division between the sacred and the profane, diff clans share the same totems.
2. Mestrovic- diversity has fragmented the collective conscience so ther is no longer a single shared value system.

Question 12

Psychological functions.

Answer 12

skip

Question 13

what does malinowski argue

Answer 13

religion helps people cope with emotional stress that undermines social solidarity

Question 14

what role does religion play (Malinowski)?

Answer 14

1. where the outcome is important but is uncontrollable.
   -ocean fishing is dangerous and gives people a sense of control

Question 15

what is the second role Malinowski says religion perfroms?

Answer 15

2. at times of crisis- religion helps minimise disruption. death is the main reason for the existence of religous beliefs.

Question 16

what does Parsons argue about values and meanings?

Answer 16

it creates and legitimates societys central values.
it is the primary source of meaning provides answers to the ‘ultimate questions’

Question 17

how does religion legitimate societys basic norms?

Answer 17

it legitmates societys basic norms by sacrilising them. provides a source of meaning by answering the ‘ultimate’ question

Question 18

what is a civil religion?

Answer 18

a civil religion is a belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society itself.

Question 19

what does BELLAH argue that a civil religion does?

Answer 19

it integrates society involving loyalty to the nation state and a belief in god that makes up a good american.

Question 20

evaluation of functionalism

Answer 20

neglects negative aspects of religion eg. extremism
ignores religion as source of division and conflict