Functionalist Approaches To Understanding Religion

Question 1

organic analogy

Answer 1

Religion is an institution which contributes to the functioning of society as a whole. The functionalist perspective uses the functional definition of religion, taking a focus on what religion does for society and individuals. Functionalists are particularly interested in how religion meets functional pre-requisites – things that are required in order for society to function successfully.

Question 2

durkhiem

sacred and profane

Answer 2

For Durkheim, the main function of religion is to divide the world into the sacred and the profane. The ‘sacred’ refers to things which members of society regard as special, extraordinary or awe-inspiring in some way. This does not necessarily mean something supernatural, but any object that societies regard as special. The profane refers to everyday, non-sacred aspects of life.

Question 3

durkhiem, value consensus

Answer 3

In order for society to function successfully, there needs to be value consensus. This means there needs to be agreement on what is important in society i.e. what is considered as sacred and special. Durkheim argues that by distinguishing between the sacred and profane, religion creates value consensus by ensuring agreement on what is seen as sacred.

This agreement then contributes to social solidarity – a sense of unity and togetherness – and a collective conscience – shared norms, values and beliefs and a sense of belonging to society as a whole.

Question 4

malinowski

coping with uncertanty

Answer 4

Malinowski agrees with Durkheim that religion is important for maintaining social solidarity, but argues that religion developed as a response to the psychological needs of the individual during times of uncertainty. Malinowski’s ideas are based on research in the Trobriand Islands where religion is used under two possible circumstances: 1. as a coping mechanism during times of anxiety, uncertainty or tension such as in the event of life crises, or 2. times when the outcome of important activities are uncertain.
Malinowski also argued that religion is used to give people a sense of control in dangerous situations where the outcome is uncertain e.g. the Trobriand Islanders perform religious rituals before ocean fishing.

Question 5

parsons

sense of meaning

Answer 5

Parsons agrees with Malinowski that religion is used to cope with unforeseen events and life crises. He argues that religion gives individuals a sense of meaning which helps them to understand and cope with tragedies like death, loss of a job or natural disasters. These tragedies could undermine our faith in society and prevent social order, so religion is used to explain and make sense of these circumstances and maintain our faith in society. Parsons uses the concept ‘mechanism of adjustment’ to explain how religion helps individuals cope with change.
Parsons also argues that religion provides us with society’s core values – central beliefs about right and wrong

Question 6

neo-functionalist

bellah

civil religion

Answer 6

Bellah is a neo-Functionalist who provides a more contemporary Functionalist perspective which some argue is more applicable to today’s society. Bellah was interested in understanding how value consensus and social solidarity could continue in societies like America which are multi-faith with lots of religious diversity. He found that even though Americans have different religious belief systems, they are united by their faith in America and the worship of American values. This ‘civil religion’ maintains value consensus and social solidarity through the use of collective rituals such as 4th July celebrations and the pledge of allegiance in classrooms.