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sociology - BELIEF > functionalist perspective on religion > Flashcards

functionalist perspective on religion Flashcards

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Sociology 101 flashcards
1
Q

what is functionalist view on religion?

A

functionalist believe that religion acts as a conservative force that reinforces the idea of social solidarity and social norms which results in social order and harmony

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2
Q

what was durkehims main study?

A
  • durkheim studied the simpliest form of religion called Arunta where they worshiped totem poles (totemism )which is the one of the oldest forms of religion
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3
Q

what are some of durkheims arguments?

A
  • RELIGIOUS
    SYMBOLS - this is the worship of society
  • social solidarity
  • the scared and the profane
  • collective conscience
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4
Q

give a brief summery on the functionalist view on society

A

functionalism is a structural theory , that believes that people are shaped by society , they heavily focuses on the needs of society and how social order is maintained

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5
Q

explain what is meant by the scared and the profane as one of Durkheim’s arguments

A

durkehim argues that all societies are divided into two categories the sacred and the profane,

the scared refers to the worship of objects/places that create a strong powerful emotional connection that is separate from everyday

  • the profane(everyday life) refers to the daily routines such as getting up in the morning that are not special/ scared
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6
Q

what is meant by collective conscience?

A

this is apart of durkheims idea which is the sense of right and wrong and the fusion of all our consciousness
together

example the 10 commandments these are the rules and social norms of society

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7
Q

explain durkheims study of totemism

A

Durkheim used his study of totemism to .. he saw this as the essence of religion , he believed that by worshiping a tote they were actually worshiping society thus reminding individuals that society is more than important the individual , religious symbols are much easier to worship than society as a whole which is why socitey is expressed from religious groups

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8
Q

explains Durkheim’s thory religion providing social cohesion to help maintain social solidarity

A

durkehim argues that one of the key functions or religion is to create social solidarity this is maintained from social cohesion , brining the community together through worship where people reinforce bonds that keep them together

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9
Q

what is meant by social cohesion

A

refers to the extent of connectedness and solidarity amongst groups .

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10
Q

summerise the view of durkehim on the function of religion

A
  • to create social cohesion that helps maintain social solidarity

-

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11
Q

what are some criticisms of durkheims idea

A
  • Durkheim didn’t understand totemis , and cannot possible generalize all religions/ understand the essence of religions based on the study of one primitive religion
  • durkhims idea is outdated , bellah further emphasised this arguing that people are too individualistic
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12
Q

durkehim …

A

000

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13
Q

durkshim …

A

00

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14
Q

what was malinowski idea of religion

A
  • malinowksi argued that religion had a more specific function than durkehim
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15
Q

what are the key functions of religion according to malinowski

A
  • LIFE CRISIS - main function of religion is to help indviduals and society deal with emotional stresses such as birth , marriage , death
  • RELIGION AND CONTROL , help deal with situations and events which could no be fully controlled
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16
Q

explain what is meant by the main function of religion it to help with life crisis

A

this is malinowkis idea of one of the main functions of religion that refers to the idea that religions function is to help with emotional stress which occurs during a life crisis such as death for example it gives people hope that there love one has gone to a better place for example with the idea of the after life eg a funeral this is an expression of social solidarity

17
Q

explain what is meant by religion and control

A

this is the second function of religion according to Malinowski is the idea that religion is only used when there is an unpredicted outcome with uncertainty and danger where religion is served to reduce anxiety and provide a feeling of certainty and control eg the plauge , people turned to reigion for answers

18
Q

what are some similarities and differences of Durkheim and Malinowski

A
  • malinowski also argued that the key role of religion was to reinforce social norms and values to promote social solidarity
  • however unlike Durkheim Malinowski did not see religion as reflecting society as a whole, he argued that religion had a more specific function which was to provide social solidarity i times of emotional stress and unpredictability
19
Q

what did malinowski study?

A

the religious practice of the trobriand islands

20
Q

what is parsons view on religion

A

parsons believs that religion is one sub system among many that preforms vital but limited functions in the maintainace of social order

21
Q

what are the functions of religion according to parsons

A
  • provides a value consensus
  • helps people deal with problems which disrupt socila life
  • helps individuals make sense of experineces
22
Q

explain what is meant by value consensus as a function of religion

A
  • one of the main functions according to parsons is the idea that religion provides a guideline for human action which gives a rise to specific norms and values eg the 10 commandments , thou shall not kill governs human behaviour ,
  • for parsons religious beliefs provide a set of values which form a value consensys
23
Q

what is a value consensus

A

0

24
Q

what is meant by religion and social order

A

this is another function according to parsons of religion, that is similar to malinowskis idea that the function of religion is maintain social stability by reliving tensions and frustrations that arise from unpredictable problems

1) one principle is through occasions which are unexpected , eg premature death , religion can highlight that there loved one is not gone forever and they may some day join them , this gives them comfort
2) SECOND PRINCIPLE is

25
Q

explain what is meant by religion and meaning

A

this is the third function of religion according to parsons , which is to help individuals make sense of experiences that may be unjust or unequal

example Christianity highlights that immoral people will seek punishment in the afterlife by going n to hell where as toes who are suffering from poverty perhaps will have a great reward in heaven
this maintains harmony

26
Q

what is bellahs idea of religion?

A

bellhas has introduced the concept of civill religion , he can be described as a neo functionalist

27
Q

explain bellahs idea on civil religion

A

bellha decsribed a civil religion as any system that did nit rely on the idea of a god , he has argued that civil religion has replaced traditional forms of religion such as the church/

  • example AMERICA, Americaism is a type of civil religion which stresses a commitment of the American way the belief of free market and the American dream and emphasises a commitment to god however god actually suggests America first rather than a catholic or Muslim
  • the president takes on a god like figure in America representing that american way
28
Q

what are some overall criticisms of the functionalist view on religion

A
  • functionalist concentrate on religion as a postive institution that promotes socal solidarity and a value concsensus however functionalist ignire how religion oppresses some social grous eg lgbtq+ community , femnists owuld argue rleigion opresses the expression of women eg islam
29
Q

that would be an example of collective worship regarding a civil religion

A
  • flag waving
  • sullting etc
  • independence day
  • thanksgiving
30
Q

what are some criticisms of the concept of civil religion ?

A

t is quite a loose concept in that it is possible to interpret any nationalistic activity as being part
of a ‘civil religion’.
• It is unlikely that people taking part in watching sporting events, or ‘pledging allegiance’ to the
flag are as committed in their belief in America as traditionally religious people are to their
religions.
• To criticise Bellah’s concept of Americanism specifically it is clear that not all Americans have
been united equally into the American nation. American Muslims have experienced particularly
high levels of ostracism since September 11th for example

sociology - BELIEF (23 decks)

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