Functionalist Theory On Religion

Question 1

Durkheim

Answer 1

Regarded its totem as sacred.Main feature of religion is distinction between sacred and profane.sacred symbols are ceremonies that have holy meaning.Profane was everything that Makes up daily life.Religion also includes set of rituals in relation to the sacred and these are always collective.collective worship and rituals are crucial in maintain collective conscience through these rituals society’s norms and values are re affirmed binding society together

Question 2

Criticism of Durkheim

Answer 2

Difficult to apply durkhiems theory to culturally diverse societies

• only a minority of people attend church so it is difficult to see how religion can be functioning to socialise the majority of society into shared norms
• religion often has dysfunctional consequences,rather than binding people together many of works conflicts has been caused by religion

Question 3

Malinowski

Answer 3

promote solidarity as a result of response to psychological needs.
Stressful situations threaten social solidarity as it disreputes social life(2 events that threaten social solidarity)
-time of life crisis such as marriage death,to minimise threat to social solidarity(in time of death religion promises life after death comforts grieving
-activities which are important but uncertain such as going into battle in these events religion provides a sense of control diminishes anxiety and indies group

Question 4

Malinowski research

Answer 4

Ethnographic study immersing himself fully in the tribe on trobriand island.
Found that when tribe fished in safe lagoon they had no rituals beforehand as it was safe and predictable.However before they would go fishing in the ocean they had religious ceremonies,because it was dangerous uncertain situations.Ceremonies gave fishermen’s confidence and sense of control

Question 5

Criticism of Malinowski

Answer 5

Religion often has dysfunctional consequences rather than binding people together many of the worlds conflicts has been caused by religion

Question 6

Parsons

Answer 6

Function of religion is to create meaning for members and provide core values of culture this promoting social solidarity.
Provides core values by sacralising them-making them sacred.E.g Thou shall not kill
Religion creates meaning by providing answers to ultimate questions such as why is there suffering why do evil people prosper by

Question 7

Criticisms of parsons

Answer 7

Only a minority attend church so it is difficult to see how religion can be functioning to socialise the majority of society’s members Ito shared norms and values
-religion has dysfunctional consequences