Functionalism

Question 1

Religion performs positive functions for individuals and society, including…

Answer 1

• Brings people together, which creates social solidarity; collective worship e.g. church services, Christmas, Easter and festivals.
• A collective identity e.g. Muslim, Sikh, Christian.
• Psychological support and comfort in hard times e.g. bereavement, illness, accidents.

Question 2

Durkheim

- Religion maintains social solidarity

Answer 2

• Collective worship and religious practices bring people together.
  e. g. Eid

Question 3

Durkheim

- Religion creates collective conscience

Answer 3

• Religion provides individuals with a collective identity.

e. g. Aqiqah - naming ceremony.
- Provides children with a collective identity as Muslims, creating collective conscience. Children become members of the Islamic faith, sharing the same religious beliefs and practices.

Question 4

Parsons

Answer 4

• Religion gives meaning to life.
• Provide answers to the big questions.
  For example:
  Explaining suffering as a test of faith that will be rewarded in heaven.
• By answering the big questions, religion helps people to adjust to adverse events or circumstances and help maintain stability.

Question 5

Malinowski

Answer 5

• Religion performs psychological functions, helping individuals to cope with emotional stress.
  e. g. funerals offer loved ones comfort.

e.g. Trobriand Islanders.

Question 6

Neo- Functionalism:
Bellah
- Civil religion

Answer 6

• A state or national religion which integrates members of society in a that traditional religions cannon.
  e. g. American Society - worship values. Faith in Americanism. e.g. 4th of July.