Functionalist theory of beliefs

Question 1

What does Durkheim mean by ‘religion is a conservative force’?

Answer 1

religion does not bring about change and keep society as it is

Question 2

What are Durkheim’s 4 main functions of religion?

Answer 2

1. Cohesion
2. Euphoric
3. Discipline
4. Vitalizing

Question 3

Define profane:

Answer 3

• everyday experiences, ordinary and mundane e.g. a phone

Question 4

Define sacred:

Answer 4

• set part, forbidden, fear, awe and wonder e.g. totems

Question 5

Example of Durkheim studying society in its simplest form:

Answer 5

• he studied the arunta- They perform rituals as they worship a sacred totem

Question 6

What does the totem mean to Arunta tribes?

Answer 6

• The totem is the clan’s emblem, it reinforces the group’s solidarity belonging
• worshipping the totem is the equivalent to worshipping society

Question 7

What does Durkheim mean by collective conscience?

Answer 7

• sacred symbols represent societies consciousness
• shared norms, values, and beliefs-> cooperation between individuals
• CC= reinforced through rituals-> maintains social integration and feeling part of a community

Question 8

What are the two cognitive functions of religion according to Durkheim and Mauss?

Answer 8

1. Religion= the source of our ability to think and reason, origin of human thought, reason and science
2. Durkheim and Mauss= religion explains the beginning of the world e.g. God

Question 9

3 Criticisms of Durkheim’s theory of beliefs

Answer 9

1. Worsley- no clear distinction between sacred and profound
2. Theory relates to simple societies, rather than advanced, modern, industrializes societies
3. Mestronic (2011)- theory does not apply to a post-modernist society and diversity, there is no longer a shared value system

Question 10

What did Malinowski study in terms of beliefs?- what did he find?

Answer 10

For 4 years he studied the Trobriand islanders and found that their religious ceremonies only took place on dangerous waters so that they were safe-> proved the psychological functions of religion as it helped them at a time of crisis/anxiety

Question 11

Criticism of Malinowski’s study of the Trobriand islanders

Answer 11

• for a functionalist it is unusual he used participant observation as a study (high in validity) however, this was an unreliable study as the conclusions couldn’t be generalized to other tribes and societies

Question 12

Name the 2 functions Parsons says religion performs for people

Answer 12

1. creates and legitimises society’s central values by making them scared
2. gives a source of meaning- answers ultimate questions

Question 13

Give a criticism for Parsons view on beliefs

Answer 13

• he emphasises positive functions and ignores the negative aspects (religion is sometimes a source of oppression for women- e.g. abortion is not allowed)

Question 14

Define civil religion according to Bellah

Answer 14

• any belief system that doesn;t rely on a concept o god or gods and is the main type of religion in the 20th century

Question 15

Name 3 examples of civil religion

Answer 15

1. Americanism
2. Nazism
3. Marxism

Question 16

What is the function of civil religion according to Bellah?

Answer 16

• provides functional alternatives to religion by reinforcing shared values and maintaining social cohesion
• this is reinforced by rituals, symbols, and beliefs

Question 17

Give a criticism for Bellah’s view on beliefs/civil religion

Answer 17

• ignores what makes religion distinctive- a belief in the supernatural