functionalist explanations of religion

Question 1

functional def of religion

Answer 1

• defined in terms of psychological & social functions it performs for society that acts as a tool that brings us together in social cohesion x solidarity

Question 2

durkheim

Answer 2

religion helps us feel socially integrated & ensures social order

• distinguishes btwn profane x sacred objects
• sacred objects bring us together in acts of worship
• YINGER : emphasises the functions that religion performs for individuals e.g. answering lifes ‘ultimate’ q’s

Question 3

strengths x weaknesses of functional def

Answer 3

+ INCLUSIVE def : religions & groups that do not worship god included

+shows how religion can directly impact & shape society as an agent of socialisation

• too inclusive –> groups like communists considered a religion under this def
• wide range of religions so not everyone will share the same one ; may not feel like a community

Question 4

substantive def of religion

Answer 4

focuses on content of religious beliefs such as belief in god or the supernatural/ spiritual force above nature

e.g. Islam, Christianity, Pastafarian, Judaism

Question 5

Weber

Answer 5

religion is a belief in a superior supernatural power that is above nature & can’t be explained scientifically

Question 6

strengths + weaknesses of substantive def

Answer 6

+ clearly defined - easy to operationalise ( this def is exclusive so needs to be operationalised thru the belief in god)

• exclusive - widely recognised religions like Buddhism not recognised under this def
• westenised def of religion : Pritchard found tribes believed in tribes technically but not literally e.g. did things to honour god & believed god is love etc ( this may not count under this def)

Question 7

social constructionist def of religion

Answer 7

defined by how members of society themselves define religion

Question 8

Alridge x general sociologists

Answer 8

Alridge - scientology is a religion –> its followers believe it is a religion whereas govn doesn’t

• not possible to produce single universal def of religion to cover all beliefs since diff individuals + groups mean v diff things by religion

Question 9

strengths x weaknesses of social constructionist def

Answer 9

+ members of society free to define religion according their own personal views = INCLUSIVE

• impossible to come up w universal def since everyones def of religion is different

Question 10

Evaluations of functionalists def

Answer 10

Worsley - people can get by without a religion

• Davie - some religious ppl don’t express their beliefs collectively, sacredness is subjective

Question 11

functionalists view of religion - general

Question 12

malinowski
- agrees w durkheim

Answer 12

-religion promotes solidarity by performing psychological functions for individuals : 2 times where people turn to religion

1) where the outcome is important but uncontrollable & uncertain e.g. plane crash, exams
-the Trobriand islanders of western pacific : believed in ‘canoe magic’ when the ocean became dangerous - gave ppl sense of control x eased tensions giving confidence to carry out the tasks they must do e.g. go fishing to provide for the village = reinforces group solidarity

2) at a time of life crises - major disruptive changes to a social group e.g. when close to death/ death of a fam member, birth, marriage etc
- religion helps to minimise disruption + rituals reinforce feeling of solidarity

Ev ~ secularisation = religion now less relevant / common

Question 13

Parsons
-agrees w malinowski

Answer 13

2 other functions of religion:
1. creates + legitimates society’s central values e.g. homophobia is unacceptable which is backed by religion
- however buddhists will disagree w christian values so it isn’t a central value

2. explains the primary source of meaning
   - explains the tricky q’s + provides answers

Question 14

Bellah

Answer 14

civil religion :
- belief system that attached sacred qualities to society itself, this could be an identity or way of life

functional alternatives are non religious beliefs + practices that perform the same functions as those of organised religions such as shared values + maintaining social cohesion

Question 15

durkheims findings

Answer 15

found that when groups have tribal rituals worshipping totems they are actually worshipping society - totemism
totem’s inspire feeling of awe as it represents the power of a group.

Question 16

collective conscience

Answer 16

• durkheim
  -sacred societies represent societies collective conscience -norms, values beliefs etc that make social life possible
• he says regularly shared religious rituals reinforce collective conscience & maintain social integration
  -these rituals remind individuals the power of society + makes us feel part of smth greater than ourselves encouraging people to overcome obstacles

Question 17

the cognitive function of religion

Answer 17

durkheim believes religion is part of our intellectual cognitive capacities ( our ability to reason + think)
- religion provides us w categories like time, space, number, reason etc which helps us think & religion provides us the ability to share our thoughts w each other

-Durkehim + maus - religion provides basic categories such as time, space, causation e.g. the idea abt creators creating time

Question 18

contemp examples

Answer 18

• the Queen: the UK coming together
  -rituals for her funeral, moments of silence state funeral - national mourning = brings people together
  -Diana’s funeral