functionalism + beliefs in society

Question 1

PARSONS - two functions of religion

Answer 1

• creates/legitimises societies core values and therefore regulates people’s behaviour through morals
• primary source of meaning - can answer difficult questions (why do some people suffer?) - helps to keep society stable

Question 2

DURKHEIM - totemism

Answer 2

• studied an australian aboriginal tribe to find the essence of religion
• totem: an object, animal or plant with deep symbolic significance
• totem is a collective symbol that represents god and society
• believed god and society were the same thing - people were worshipping society

CRITICISM: he used secondary sources for his study that is small scale, and he may not understand fully due to himself being a white, older man

Question 3

ROBERT BELLAH - civil religion

Answer 3

• religion unifies society
• USA is made up of immigrants with different religions - however they are united by ‘americanism’
• civil religion: americans worship american values and attach sacred qualities to society e.g. american flag, constitution etc
• phrases such as ‘one nation under god’ - refer to an american god

Question 4

BRONISLAW MALINOWKSI - trobriand islanders

Answer 4

• islanders used religious rituals to create a sense of control when they needed to take risks e.g. ocean fishing
• concluded that religion helps people deal with emotional stress during times that threaten social stability and create stress and uncertainty
• therefore, life and death are surrounded by religious rituals

CRITICISMS: rituals in society have declined, and science has reduced a lot of uncertainty