q5 religion stability

Question 1

functionalist

Answer 1

Force of stability as religion promotes social solidarity
All societies must have a collective consciousness for survival; this is a social prerequisite as most people must agree on the norms and values for society to function.
Collective worship and ritual crucial , both in reinforcing the collective consciousness and in unifying the group. By worshipping sacred symbols people are worshipping society. They are reaffirming their commitment to group values and beliefs.

Without a collective conscience (shared values, morals) there would be no social order, social control, social solidarity or cooperation.
Therefore, religion is a force of social solidarity, it gives people a sense of belonging and makes them feel part of a community.

Question 2

f a03-

Answer 2

:Religion is imposed on people, Marxists argue that there is no collective consciousness and the values promoted by religion are those of the ruling class-> In capitalist society people are given a false consciousness and fail to realise that religion does not serve their interests, but the interests of the ruling class.

Question 3

marxist

Answer 3

Argue that religion is useful to Capitalism as it acts as a form of consolation to the people, keeps them happy in their impoverished positions
Marx: religion is the ‘opium of the masses’
Suggests how its an illusion which eased the pain produced by exploitation and oppression, indicating how religion does little to solve problems as it makes life more bearable-> reduces w/c demands->prevents a revolution
Also shows how religion produces a false consciousness over their exploitation

Question 4

m a03-

Answer 4

Stark and Bainbridge-> religion is an individual choice and meets individual needs-> impossible for religion to fade as people will always have their individual needs for it-> essential feature of society