Functionalism - Beliefs

Question 1

What are Durkheim’s main points? (4)

Answer 1

• Things are either profane or scared = represent collective consciousness
• Study Australian Aborigines ‘totemism’ - totems represented god and society at the same time = religion is socially constructed
• Collective consciousness = shared beliefs and values of a society. Believes society cannot function without it and religion reinforces it
• Religion is important for forming a value consensus and collective consciousness - reinforces social values

Question 2

What are Malinowski’s main points? (3)

Answer 2

• Religion is important for the psychological functions and needs for the individual
• Used in times of life crises (birth, death etc by providing understanding and comfort) or activities where the outcome is uncertain or uncontrollable (e.g when the Trobriand Islanders go fishing)
• Important for promoting social solidarity

Question 3

What are Parson’s main points? (3)

Answer 3

• Religion provides and legitimises core values that enhance social solidarity
• Acts as a ‘mechanism of adjustment’ (provides meaning and answers in difficult times) e.g. in times of uncertainty or when we are ‘hit’ by events we can’t foresee
• Promotes social stability

Question 4

How can Malinowski be used to explain the response to Stephen Sutton’s death?

Answer 4

• There was a need to individually come to terms wit Stephen’s death by using religion to help make sense of why he died and to comfort one another
• Church membership also increased significantly after 9/11

Question 5

What are Bellah’s (Neo-Functionalist) main points? (2)

Answer 5

• Civil religion = e.g. America was socially and culturally divided but united under the faith of Americanism
• Argued civil religion provided the same functions as a more authentic religion

Question 6

How can Bellah’s ideas of civil religion be linked to the Brazilian world cup?

Answer 6

• Brazilians love their country but were angry that so much money was being spent of football and not poverty = riots
• Angry that their love for their country was not being given back to them

Question 7

What are 3 strengths of the Functionalist views?

Answer 7

1) There is evidence that in times of stress/crisis people turn to religion e.g. 9/11 and Stephen Sutton
2) Malinowski and Durkheim support their arguments with empirical evidence
3) Bellah’s civil religion takes an inclusive approach making it more relevant to contemporary, more secular society

Question 8

What are 4 weaknesses of the Functionalist view?

Answer 8

1) From a PM view: there are many competing religions. It is difficult to see how diverse religions unite society
2) Secularisation means religion may no longer be a social glue - only 6% of British go to Church
3) Ignores the fact religion causes conflict e.g. Syria, Cyprus and Gaza Strip
4) Doesn’t take into account the meaning of religion for individuals - interactionists

Question 9

What does O’Dea argue?

Answer 9

Despite the criticisms argues religion does still provide certain functions:

• Providing support and security
• Giving guidelines to live lives by
• Providing answers to fundamental questions which Science cannot provide