Functionalist theories of religion

Question 1

Durkheim

Answer 1

Arunta tribe

Worship of religion = worship of society

Question 2

Malinowski

Answer 2

Trobriand islanders

Religion helps deal with periods of liminality (social anxiety) by

1. Teaching new roles
2. Reaffirming belief that life goes on
3. Becoming part of a community

Question 3

Durkheim (2)

Answer 3

Religion helps people listen to social side, rather than egotistical side. Rules are god given as opposed to man-made, we can’t argue with them

Question 4

Durkheim (3)

Answer 4

Religion maintains social solidarity
1 creates value consensus 
2 agent of secondary socialisation 
3 agent of social control
4 helps people deal with anomie by making them part of a community

Question 5

Bental

Answer 5

Religion crates social solidarity through ritual, collective effervescence

Question 6

Evaluation

Answer 6

Pro: focuses on the good religion does in society and explains social reasons for religious belonging.

Con: ignores division caused by religion and impact of secularisation

Con: both Mal and Durkheim studied pre-industrial society, can’t say religion operates in the same way in industrial society