Functionalist Theories

Question 1

Parsons

Answer 1

• Identified 2 functions of religion :
  1- secondary socialisation - creates/legitimates societies central values through secondary socialisation - this creates consensus
  2- primary source of meaning - answering questions about life/death/suffering so helps people cope

Question 2

Durkheim

Answer 2

• looked at distinction between sacred and profane
• all symbols/totems support social solidarity
• sacred symbols represent societies collective conscience

Question 3

Malinowski

Answer 3

• Religion promotes social solidarity by performing psychological functions
• Religion functions to help individuals cope with emotional stress which might undermine social solidarity
• Studied Trobriand islanders -> canoe magic

Question 4

Bellah

Answer 4

• Civil religion
• Religion creates unity in a multi faith society
• despite Americas social divisions, what largely unifies it is civil religion, sacred qualities to society

Question 5

Functionalist Criticisms

Answer 5

• Birnbaum - Does not see the significance of the coronation like Shils and Young do
• Cannot explain social change
• Ignores dysfunctional aspects of religion

Question 6

What is Sacred and Profane?

Answer 6

Profane - everything that is ordinary and holds no power

Sacred - something which represents power/influence to group, symbolic - unites people