Social constructionist

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

this rejects any attempt to produce a universal definition of religion.
They take an interpretivist approach and argue that definitions should be about the meaning people give to their own beliefs. They reject the authority of others to give or deny organisations the label of a religion.

Question 2

Advantages

Answer 2

1. It supports the rights of organisations such as Scientology, who have been denied the status of religion in several countries (many European countries), to call themselves a religion.
2. It supports the idea that religion does not always perform similar functions for people in different organisations.

Question 3

Disadvantages

Answer 3

1. It makes it impossible to make generalisations about the nature of religion in society.
2. As this definition is so individualistic, this definition makes it difficult to measure religious activity in society.