Functionalist Flashcards
Why force do functionalists see religion acting as
Conservative force
What does conservative force mean
Religion reinforces status quo
Religion reinforces traditional values and practices
Religion may prevent change e.g. Attitudes to Abortion
How does religion act as a conservative force
Stability and cohesion: shared experiences provide social cement
Social identity: identity and membership
Reinforces collective conscience: units moral way
Socialisation and Social Control: represents value system society
Meaning and purpose: offer comfort times of crisis
What did Durkheim believe about religion
Something eternal
Where did Durkheim base his research
Non literate society - Totem worshipping
What did Durkheim believe worshipping was of
Religion is the worship of society
What role does Durkheim argue religion plays in society
Reinforces collective conscience through shared rituals and enhancing social solidarity
Key part maintaining mechanical solidarity primitive society
What does Durkheim argue is the role in modern society
Modern society: collective conscience may weaken but bound together by respect ‘divine within each individual’ = cult of man
Where did Malinowski conduct his research
Small primitive societies
The Trobriand Islands
What did Malinowski argue was the role of religion
Enhance social solidarity through meeting psychological needs
Support in a Life Crisis e.g. Puberty/Death/Marriage
Uncertain situations: outcome uncertain/dangerous/uncontrollable
Who is Parsons influenced by
Durkheim
Weber
Malinowski
Where does Parsons base his research
Modern America
What did Parsons argue the role of religion was
Primary source of meaning
Provides answers to eternal questions
Provides and legitimises core values and promote social solidarity
What is an example of Parsons function of religion in modern society
Modern society: become generalised and core values in America today has been shaped by Protestantism = individualism, self-discipline, upward mobility
Where does Bellah conduct her research
Modern America
Concept of civil religion
What does Bellah argue the role of religion is
Civil Religion, activities not overly religious, reaffirm shared values and collective conscience
Does not have to involve God - but America and God walk hand in hand
Bring may ethnic/religious groups together
Positive evaluation of functionalists
Promote harmony and belonging through shared rituals e.g. Royal Weddings, Coronations
Offer comfort at times of needs
Accept broad definitions
Religion can act as a conservative force
What are the negatives of the functionalist view
Too broad: whats the difference between religion and other moral beliefs?
Too much stress on centrality: roles vary
Research based on Primitive societies
Too much focus on positive
