Malinowski: Psychological role of religion Flashcards

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1
Q

Religion promotes solidarity

A

Agrees that religion promotes solidarity - does this by promoting psychological functions of religion for the individual

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2
Q

Cope with stress

A

Helps people cope with stress that undermines social solidarity e.g. situations which make you anxious, uncertain or tense, threaten social life

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3
Q

Trobrial islanders: studied

A

Studied trobrial islanders, outcome is uncertain - had an animistic faith system ( their fate + experiences were determined by spirits )

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4
Q

Trobrial islanders: Livelihood

A

Livelihood was fishing, which had the potential to be dangerous ( especially in the ocean ) - less chance of survival/success, always accompanied by ‘ canoe magic ‘ to ensure safe expedition

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5
Q

Trobrial islanders: religious rituals

A

Before fishing, increases sense of confidence in the fisherman ( safety out of their hands ), helps retain a sense of order - as those left behind accept fate of fisherman ( down to the spirits )

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6
Q

Trobrial islanders: Unifies the group

A

It helps them come to terms with bereavement-sense of shared loss + also acceptance

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7
Q

God of the gaps

A

Rituals serve as ‘ god of the gaps ‘ - it feels gaps in human beings control over the world e.g. not being able to control the outcome of a fishing trip

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8
Q

Life crisis

A

Birth, puberty, marriage + death are potentially disruptive

Religion minimises this potential disruption - death, funeral rituals reinforce solitary among survivors

Immorality gives comfort to the bereaved by denying the fact of death

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9
Q

Evaluation: Other institutions

A

There are now other institutions + places that are used to help people cope with life events e.g. the family, doctors and counselling

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10
Q

Evaluation: questioning religion

A

When people experience bad things, do they not question religion, rather than reinforce their commitment to it

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