Functionalists: Durkhiem & Religion Flashcards
What are the studies for Functionalist : DURKHEIM and religion?
- Durkheim: Totemism
- ## Durkheim: collective conscience
What is totem according to Durkheim?
An object that has a deep symbolic significance
What does Toteism represent according to Durkheim?
Represents the most elementary form of religion
What property does Totemism have ?
Divine property
How does Durkheim define religion ?
In terms of distinction between profane and sacred
Why is totemism sacred ?
- Symbolic representation of group itself
- stands for values of community
- worshipping totemism is worshipping their society
By totemism bring sacred what does it do for individuals?
Individuals is temporarily elevated from their normal profane to a higher level
By totemism being sacred , for individuals being elevated to a higher level what can they recognise ?
Can recognise divine influence or gods
According to Durkheim collective conscience what did he say a social life was impossible without ?
A social life is impossible without shares values and moral beliefs that form a collective conscience
According to Durkheim: collective conscience what is collective conscience?
United value consensus
According to Durkheim collective conscience, without collective conscience what will happen ?
No social order , social control or social solidarity
What are the two ways religion reinforces collective conscience ?
1.) collective worship
2.) beliefs in gods/spirits originated from souls of dead ancestors
Durkheim : collective conscience
What is collective worship ?
Social groups come together to express their faith in common values and beliefs
Durkheim: collective worship
How do social groups express their faith in collective worship ?
In common values and beliefs
Durkheim: social solidarity
What does collective worship promote ?
Solidarity and unity of society is strengthened