Functionalist theory on Religion

Question 1

How do functionalists see religion?

Answer 1

See religion as playing a major role in the smooth running of society

Question 2

How did Durkheim see religion?

Answer 2

As a belief that related to sacred object such as the Aborgine cultures who’s cultures tended to be different between clans and were represented by different totems

Question 3

What did Durkheim claim the worshipping of symbols represented?

Answer 3

The worship or society and cultures

Question 4

What two things did Durkheim say about the relationship between religion and society?

Answer 4

1) Determinism and Dependency

2) Collective Conscience

Question 5

What is meant by Determinism and Dependency?

Answer 5

• Humans regard themselves as inferior to sacred symbols and beliefs and in worshipping the sacred beliefs they are actually worshipping society and following its values

Question 6

What is meant by a collective conscience?

Answer 6

Without shared values and moral beliefs being followed life wouldnt work as there would be no control etc

• Religion acts to reinforce the collective conscience as it makes sacred societies norms and values, this is reinforced during collective worship such as prayer

Question 7

When did Durkheim claim the collective function was most notable?

Answer 7

During stages of ‘life-crisis’- significant periods of change in an individuals life where families, friends etc come together to support each other

Question 8

What did parsons claim about religion?

Answer 8

Religion played a key part in maintaining value consensus, social order and providing meaning for individuals.

Question 9

What is value consensus?

Answer 9

Religion is part of the parsons Cultural Sub system of society and provided guidance on actions,rolesand values.
-By following these beliefs individuals are given many norms to follow, ensuring stability is ensured

Question 10

What is social Order?

Answer 10

Parsons believes religion plays a major role in maintaining harmony in society and is especially important for ‘strained periods’ e.g death

1) Stressful situations
2) Events that we have no control over and are seen as uncertain

Question 11

What is meaning?

Answer 11

Religion helps people ‘make sense’ of all their experiences
-People may think they are being tested through poverty as they will be later rewarded
Helps the society run in an equiliburus way

Question 12

What are the criticisms of Functionalist perspective?

Answer 12

• Ignores growth of NRM that may challenge the dominant norms or society
• Marxism question whether belief passed on through religion are those of the community or the dominant class
• Weber & other neo marxists say religion can be a source of change within society rather than maintaining society