functionalist theories of religion Flashcards
why is durk think religion is functional for society
-provides set of beliefs
-unites people
-value consensus
-cermeonies binds ppl tg
-collective conscience and social integration
-share values and morals
-face obstacles in life
examples of the function of religion
-totenism austrialian arunta tribe
-worshiped the totem pole, people worhsipping this actyally worshipped society as totentim is a symbol of society
-bind community ‘ collective conscience’
how can we eval durk
-supported by bellah
-relgion doesnt always create social soldarity e.g wars and conflicts catholic and protestants in northern ireland
what did bellah say on civil religion
-binds america tg
-simialr to durk
-attaches scared qualities; civil religion seens as a faith in americnaism
-loyalty to nation state and belief in God to be true american
what are the rituals seen in america civil religion
-symbols,beliefs, pledge alleigience of the flag , sing national anthem
what does malinowski say
-religion provides explanations for key events hard to explain
-emotional security and relieve stress
-ecents e.g death, accidnets, serious illness and other crisis can produce anxiety which can threaten social soldarity as people experience bitterness and uncertianity over things they cant underdstand
what may lead to spirituality
-wars, stabbings, genocide and natural disastsers
what does religion do for people
-provides comfort and meaning when faced with crisis
-funeral services act like a hope for life after death and support gained w others during time of stress
what did malonswki study
trobrand islanders who did fishing
in dangerous waters
but no religious rituals in calm water when it was safe
help them ease tension sense of control and create soldarity
how can we evaluate malinowski
-provides only positive view of religion and ignores negatives e.g oppression of poor and women
parsons says….
1) creates and legtimises societies central values e.g core values fouund in Bible or Qu’ran
2) provides a source of meaning and answers ultimate questions e.g why the good suffer and what ahppens when we die helps us cope
how to evaluate func view
1)downplays social change , and the role religion may have in it
2)religion is beocming less important both in society and in indivduals
3)conflcit going on e.g northeren ireland and theres conflicts between religions e.g christian and isalmic fundamentialists often linked to terrorism
