Functionalsim Flashcards
Outline and explain the 3 ways of defining religion (from a functionalist perspective)
- Substantive: focuses on the substance or content of religion; a religion is defined by the belief in a God
- Functional: focuses on the “functions” religion performs to its people; which are positive according to functionalists, claiming that religion brings people together in collective worship (social solidarity) and/or during times of grievances
- Social constructionist: focuses on individualism, what religion means to EACH person; arguing that there is no single way of defining a religion because religion has different meaning for different people
Explain how religion maintains social solidarity and give an example (AO2)
Durkheim - says that religion bring people together through collective worship in a mosque, church, temple etc…
During the corona virus pandemic, religion continued to bring communities together through online platforms (zoom), Muslims would celebrate Eid al fitr with loved ones thus enabling a sense of unity.
Evaluate the idea that religion maintains social solidarity
- Religion does not always promote social integration, rather leading to conflicts in communities; David Cameron argues that religion can create division in multicultural society as it emphasises differences rather than commonalities.
Explain how religion creates collective conscience
Durkheim - Religion followers share the same beliefs, therefore everybody thinks the same e.g 10 commandments in Christianity
Evaluate the idea that religion created collective conscience and give an example (AO2)
- Religion does not always create collective conscience and stability, rather it can challenge current beliefs e.g Martin Luther King used Christian beliefs as part of the civil rights movement to end racial segregation in the USA
- Religion extremist group like ISIS oppose mainstream beliefs of their broader communities, leading to instability
Explain how religion provides “meaning to meaningless things”
Parson - Religion provides answers to big questions in life such as; why is there suffering? Arguing that religion gives meaning and purpose to life, this helps maintain stability as it insures that society continues to run smoothly because religion provides answers and thus clarity.
This function is also vital in stopping a negative force from unleashing upon society aka anomie (a state of normlessness)
Explain how religion aids with stress and give an example (AO2)
Malinowski - Religion helps individuals cope with physiological stress, attending funerals or other societal grievances offers comfort to loved ones, reinforcing social solidarity.
Malinowski studied a group of Trobriand islanders that partake in dangerous ocean fishing - before going out to the sea the men performed a ritual that enabled a sense of control over the uncontrollable thus reducing stress.
Explain how religion aids with stress and give an example (AO2)
Malinowski - Religion helps individuals cope with physiological stress, attending funerals or other societal grievances offers comfort to loved ones, reinforcing social solidarity.
Malinowski studied a group of Trobriand islanders that partake in dangerous ocean fishing - before going out to the sea the men performed a ritual that enabled a sense of control over the uncontrollable thus reducing stress.
Evaluate the idea that religion helps with stress
Rationalists argue that scientific explanations have replaced religious ones, and that the people in modern secular society are more likely to find comfort in science rather than religion due to its objective nature.
