Functionalism

Question 1

Religion Unites People - Durkheim

Answer 1

The key feature of religion was not belief in God, but a fundamental distinction between the sacred and profane found in all religions, in simpler terms its about recognizes the difference between sacred and ordinary in all religions.

Durkheim studied the practice of totemism (totem is a sacred object that is worshipped) among the central Australian Arunta tribe of aborigines.
when worshipping the totem, people are really worshipping society - these ceremonies act as a social glue and brings people together with shared beliefs. This creates a collective conscience (value consensus).

This helps binds society together and therefore acts as a conservative force (keeping things the same).

Question 2

Durkheim AO3:

Answer 2

This theory lacks contemporary relevance. he studied a single faith society that was united by one common religion. today that is no longer applicable as there are now more religions in society. we have a complex, multi-faith society.
this also means that different religions and values can tear other people down which creates conflict, not consensus.

Question 3

Religion answers the ultimate question - Parsons

Answer 3

Religion is the primary source of meaning - it answers the ultimate question about the meaning of life.
in particular about the human condition, why good people die young.
such events defy our sense of justice and make life appear meaningless, and this may undermine our commitment to society’s values.

Question 4

Parson AO3:

Answer 4

Marxists and feminist’s criticise this rose tinted view of religion. they argue religion passes on norms and values of the dominant groups (RC) not those of everyone.

Use the feminist theory about how ‘Religion legitimates the gender hierarchy’.

Question 5

Religion provides comfort - Malinowski

Answer 5

Religion provides certainty and comfort in two situations:
where the outcome is important but uncontrollable and thus uncertain - Malinowski found this when studying Trobriand Islanders, they survived on fish and would mostly fish in the lagoon that was safe. but at times it was necessary to fish in the ocean that was unsafe. to feel safe and in control, the islanders would practice ‘canoe magic’ before going in the ocean. they believed it would keep them safe.

Or at a time of life crisis, when something life changing happens e.g. someone’s death
religion gives individuals a source comfort and an explanation.

Question 6

Religion integrates society - Bellah

Answer 6

Bellah is interested in how religion unifies society, especially a multi-faith society like America.
what unifies America is a civil-religion - a belief that attaches sacred qualities to society itself (for America this is ‘the American way’ - this involves loyalty to the national state and belief in God. it is expressed in a number of rituals, e.g pledging allegiance to the flag)

Bellah argues that civil religion integrates society in a way that individual religion cannot.

However, this is not a specifically Catholic, Protestant or Jewish God, but rather an American God.

Question 7

Bellah AO3:

Answer 7

(Support) Be;;ah’s work answers the criticism pf Durkhiem’s work,
Bellah’s civil religion does apply to a multi-faith society and therefore has contemporary relevance.

Can criticise this using the MARX theory - Religion provides comfort