Functionalism Flashcards
What does Durkheim argue about religion in society
Religion binds people together
Believed all societies distinguish between the SACRED (holy, symbols, rituals) and the PROFANE (mundane, things that make up our everyday lives)
What did Durkheim find when researching Australian tribes
Found each tribe had their one TOTUM (sacred object) that they worshipped; argues the TOTUM replenished the tribes n&v’s.
He argued making n&v’s seem more sacred will make people abide by them more.
What effect does strengthening the collective conscience have on the rest of society in religion (Durkheim view)
Through collective worship, people express their approval of the norms and values that unite them, therefore strengthening the social solidarity.
What is Malinowski’s view on religion
It performs a positive psychological function and helps people with emotional stress that would otherwise cause anomie
According to Malinowski, what would undermine social solidarity
Life crises, uncertainty, stress and anxiety. Religion provides security in times of these
What did Malinowski find when he researched the Trobriand Islanders
When they fished in the lagoon they performed no ritual because it was calm and they knew it was safe. When they fished in the ocean, it was less safe, so they performed a ‘canoe magic’ ritual to provide comfort and control
What does Parsons say about religion
Religion creates and legitimises societies basic values by making them sacred and helps people answer ultimate questions; promoting VALUE CONSENSUS = better SOCIAL SOLIDARITY
According to Parsons, what’s a mechanism of adjustment
He argues religion provides a mechanism of adjustment, helping people to adjust to their situation which prevents anomie
What are criticisms of the functionalist perspectives on religion
- It’s questionable how effectively religion can perform its roles in secular societies
- Durkheim didn’t carry out primary research so people argue his analysis is flawed; his own perspective tainted the data
- Ignores role of controlling women and justifying position of the poor
- Ignores negative impact of religion; riots in Ireland
What is the functionalist response to the secularisation critique
With the growth of secularisation; supernatural dimensions of religion have disappeared;
Bellah argues sacred qualities are attached to non religious aspects of life (singing national anthem) to perform similar functions.
CIVIL RELIGION: belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society itself
Do functionalists believe religion is a conservative force
Yes, it maintains the status quo
