module 4 (classical) Flashcards
Most classical theories of religion alluded to its
utilitarian value
There was an impression of differentiation, especially from the perspective of the
functionalists (notion of good or bad, equality or disequilibrium, etc)
Durkheim’s Mechanical Solidarity (different forms of suicide)
Characterized by a strong collective consciousness,
individuals may commit altruistic suicide out of love for the common good.
This is often seen among soldiers or Catholic adherents who are deeply
committed to their group.
Durkheim’s organic solidarity (forms of suicide)
this type of solidarity arises in a
competitive and individualistic society, driven by global capitalism. Here,
individuals may experience fatalistic or anomic suicides due to the stress
imposed by the social system.
In worshipping the totem, individuals are essentially worshipping
society
Belief in God signifies an acknowledgment that
society holds greater
importance than the individual.
for durkeim Religion fosters
group identity, creates cohesion, and reaffirms social
solidarity (functionalist perspective)
socialization as a function of religion
religion socializes members into a value consensus by attaching a
sacred quality to values.
life changing events as a function of religion
Malinowski and Parsons believe religion relieves the stress
of life crises.
integration as a function of religion
collective worship strengthens group unity, restraining deviant
behaviour
civil religion as a function of religion
ritual and ceremony are common aspects of national loyalties
preventing anomie as a function of religion
Integration and restrained behaviour prevents a state of
confusion and normlessness.
criticism of functionalism (5)
- religion cannot socialize us if we do not believe (and church attendence is declining
- durkheim’s analyse is flawed, misinterpretation of the totemism and Australian Aborigines
- Religion can be dysfunctional and often contribute to global conflict
- modern societies are multicultural lacking a single unifying force
- Individuals choose to worship privately rather than collectively which does not reinforce group identity
marxism view on religion
Religion serves as an ideological apparatus, functioning as a tool of
social control and exploitation.
* It acts as an “opium of the people,” a pacifying force that numbs
suffering
According to Marx and Engels, the functions of religion include
- Legitimizing social inequality
- Disguising the true nature of exploitation
- Keeping the working-class passive and resigned to their fate.
Evidence to Support Marxism
- The Methodist religion played a key role in
preventing working class revolution in 19th
century Britain. - The wealth of the church should do more to
tackle world poverty.
max weber view on religion
Material success and hard work demonstrated
God’s favour and a place in heaven.
* Max believes global capitalism is a product of
Calvinism.
Calvinists believed in
asceticism.
* Their hard work and attitudes helped initiate
Western economic development and Capitalism.
criticism of weber (3)
Countries with significant Calvinist populations, such as
Sweden, did not industrialize in the same way as
Britain.
* Factors like slavery, colonialism, and piracy played a
more crucial role than Calvinist beliefs.
* While some argue that capitalism predates Calvinism,
it is also true that Calvinism helped legitimize capitalist
interests.
Why do some Religions Encourage Social
Change? belief
religions that emphasize strong moral codes are more likely to
produce members who will be critical and challenge social injustice
Why do some Religions Encourage Social
Change? cultural
change is easier through religion when religion is central to
the culture of society, e.g. Gandhi.
Why do some Religions Encourage Social
Change? social location
a wide scope of influence is experienced when
religion plays a major role in political and economic life. This could be
in terms of race, class, gender, and other forms of social statuses
Why do some Religions Encourage Social
Change? organization
Organization – religions with a strong centralized source of authority
have more chance of affecting events.
structure of organized religion - church
are national, inclusive and have a large membership. They are hierarchical,
have a professional clergy and a lifespan of centuries. Churches accept society’s norms
and values and require little formal commitment
structure of organized religion- denomination
are national, with professional clergy and have a lifespan of over a
century. They are seen as a basis of non-conformist views and require stronger
commitment.
structure of organized religion - sects
These are small in smaller in size and often have a charismatic leader.
* They are critical of mainstream society and are reclusive, with their own norms and values. Sects
require exceptional commitment.
structure of organized religion-cults
vary in sizes and have a loose structure.
* They are individualistic and often have an inspirational leader.
* Cults are often short-lived and die with the leadership.
* Membership is flexible.
Extant classical sociological theories of religion tend to be monolithic, primarily
emphasizing
the utilitarian value of religion—specifically, whether it facilitates change
Traditional structures of organized religions continue to evolve in response to the
shifting landscape of social interactions
