Functionalism On Religion

Question 0

What did Durkeim mean by totemism?

Answer 0

Worshipping the totem was worshipping society

The totem has more power than the individual just like society

Question 1

What do functionalists see as the main functions of religion? (3)

Answer 1

Creating social solidarity
value consensus
Integration of beliefs

Question 2

How does religion keep society together according to functionalists?

Answer 2

Religion gives shared Norms and values for society and provides social solidarity

Question 3

Give 3 criticisms of Durkeims work

Answer 3

Only studied a small number of aboriginal groups
Less relevant to modern society
Overstates how religion controls society

Question 4

What specific life situations does religion address? 4

Answer 4

Birth
Puberty
Death
Marriage

Question 5

How does a funeral act to reinforce social solidarity?

Answer 5

Because death is SOCIALLY DESTRUCTIVE a funeral helps to support the individuals by bringing them together in the face of death

Question 6

What part do rituals play in the business of fishing?

Answer 6

Rituals performed before fishing trips reduced anxiety and created social solidarity

Question 7

What example supports Parsons view that religion provides a general guidelines for human actions and standards?

Answer 7

The 10 commandments

Shia law in some middle eastern countries

Question 8

What role does religion play in the the case of unforeseeable events?

Answer 8

It provides a way of adjusting and coming to terms wi such events

Question 9

What are the main criticisms of the functionalist view of religion? 3

Answer 9

Ignores how religion can be a negative force
Does not take into account different religion in the same society
New Marxists argue that legion can disrupt society