FUNCTIONALISM

Question 1

what does Malinowski suggest about religion?

Answer 1

religion performs psychological functions such as helping people cope with emotional stress.

Question 2

what are the two situations identified by Malinowski which religion serves as treating psychological functions

Answer 2

-when the outcome is uncontrollable
compares two situations
lagoon fishing: is safe uses predictable successful method of poisoning. requires no ritual
ocean fishing: dangerous/uncertain accompanied with “canoe magic” rituals to ensure safe + successful expedition to undertake hazardous tasks +reinforces group solidarity
-at times of risks- birth marriage death. this is because these crucial events reinforce solidarity. significantly, death is the main reason for the existence of religion

Question 3

what does parsons argue about religion?

Answer 3

Agrees with Malinowski sees religion as helping individuals to cope with foreseen events and uncontrollable outcomes.

Question 4

what does Parsons believe are the two essential functions that religion performs in wider society?

Answer 4

• it legitimates society’s central values, sacralising the values to promote value consensus
• primary source of meaning- helps people answer ultimate questions “why the good suffer”- this tops life feeling meaning less

Question 5

what is a value consensus

Answer 5

a set of shared norms and values by which societies members live by.

Question 6

what is bellah interested in about religion?

Answer 6

interested in how religion can unify multi faith societies e.g USA

Question 7

what is civil religion and an example

Answer 7

civil religion is the belief system that attached sacred qualities to society. for example, the nation state binds Americans together through the loyalty of the nation state as they pledge of allegiance to the flag. unifies all Americans unlike church which only unifies some

Question 8

evaluation to functionalism?

Answer 8

• civil religion comes into conflict with the substantive definition of religion which requires a belief in the supernatural.
• ignores religion as a source of division and conflict which can be due to the plurality of views
• neglects negative aspects of religion such as religion as a source of oppression for the poor and women