functionalist theory of religion

Question 1

3 functions of religion

Answer 1

1. socialisation- teach norms/values
2. integration- social solidarity
3. preventing anomie- society breaking down

Question 2

Durkheim’s elementary forms of religious life

Answer 2

• sacred are things to do with religion whereas profane are things which are not everyday objects.
• totemism- belief that animals/plants have supernatural powers
• sacred objects supernaturally significant, represents society, when worshipped society effectively worshipping themselves

Question 3

what does religion provide according to Durkheim?

Answer 3

1. collective conscience= agreement over values of society. agreed awareness of whats right
2. conservative force= maintaining norms/values of society to maintain stability
3. social solidarity= loyalty/ bond with others in society

Question 4

parsons ideas about religion

Answer 4

religion provides core values + enhances social solidarity, it is the framework for human action.
combining concepts of sacred and profane transmits core values in American society through religious symbols ‘god bless america’/flag.

Question 5

malinowski’s ideas about religion

Answer 5

function of religion is to bond community together at times of stress/danger
in his fishermen study of Trobriand islanders- prayer rituals before going out to sea

Question 6

what do Malinowski and Parsons agree on?

Answer 6

religion comforts people in times of stress eg those close to death/ know people who have died- promises afterlife

Question 7

Bellah’s ideas about religion

Answer 7

• american civil religion is when Americanism and religion merge
• americans class the flag as almost sacred, worshipping, being patriotic.

Question 8

Stark and Bainbridge’s ideas

Answer 8

religion acts as a supernatural compensator, makes us feel better when things go wrong.

Question 9

Swanson’s ideas

Answer 9

religion helps us maintain social order by supporting dominant system. religion makes seem acceptable

Question 10

evaluation

Answer 10

• if religion so important, why declining?
• religion can cause anomie rather than prevent- postmodernism
• religious pluralism- diff religions have diff values
• rather than helping people emotionally can exclude them