Parsons Flashcards
guidelines for behaviour and standards
The Ten Commandments are the basis of social norms; ‘Thou shalt not kill’ integrates norms such as how to drive a car, settle an argument and treatment of the elderly, by prohibiting manslaughter, murder and euthanasia. Christian religious beliefs underpin the value consensus of society even for those who are not Christian because laws and norms have their origins in Christianity.
Social harmony
By creating and reinforcing values religion helps to provide social harmony. This keeps people satisfied with the status quo of society. For example religion legitimises the values of society. e.g. Evangelical Christian churches in the USA encourage their followers to practice ‘self-help’ in order to escape poverty
McGuire argues that if religion is deeply embedded in the culture of society or a central religious authority exercises strong social controls, then religion is likely to contribute to the stability of that society. Eg through the socialisation of individuals into a common identity and sense of unity or by consensus in relation to moral and religious behaviour. It is therefore unlikely that in such societies people would feel a need for social change, because they benefit from the social order that results. This is supported by Christiano and Swatos who found that mainstream middle class Christian churches in the USA promote order, stability and conservative social values
explain and makes people accept the unpredictable events of society
Religion provides a means of adjusting to events that cannot be predicted; it helps to explain and makes people accept the unpredictable events of society. When there appears to be no natural justice in life after a murder or natural disaster then religion offers people answers. e.g. suffering tests a person’s faith; evil criminals will be punished in the afterlife. In this way religion makes sense of the apparently meaningless, it helps people adjust to their situation and it promotes social stability.
By providing explanations for the meaning of life and for man’s relationship with the world religion “allows humankind to think logically” and to get on with their life.
