Sociological Views

Question 1

Durkheim

Answer 1

Symbols:
- Sacred = set apart / forbidden (EG: the Bible)
- Profane = ordinary / everyday items

Toteism:
- Causes people to worship society as it presents group power on which an individual is ‘utterly dependent’.

Collective Conscience:
- reminds people about the power of society
- maintains social integration
- allows feelings of something greater and involvement in it
- deals with concepts of time and space - the origin of human thought, reason and science.

Evaluation:
- Mestovic: this can’t apply to contemporary society due to increased diversity. There is no longer a shared value system for religion to enforce.

Question 2

Malinowski

Answer 2

Psychological Functions of religion help to deal with stress.

Trobiland Islanders:
- when outcomes are important but uncontrollable.
LAGOON FISHING= safe as uses predictable and successful methods. No ritual.
OCEAN FISHING= dangerous / uncertain. Rituals ensure safety, sense of control, gives confidence.

At times of life crisis:
- mark major and dramatic changes.
- religion minimises disruption (EG: funeral rituals create feeling of solidarity)

Question 3

Bellah

Answer 3

Civil Religion:
- some modern states worship symbols but not the supernatural.
-AMERICANISM= american society is religiously diverse but unite around their country / symbols (EG: flag / national anthem)
-performs Durkheim’s functions causing social cohesion, stability, order, prevents radical change so society is integrated.

Evaluation:
- marxism= ignores religion as a source of conflict (EG: societies with more than 1 religion have no social order [Northern Ireland troubles / Civil Wars])
- feminism= ignores negative aspects as a source of oppression against women (EG: Afghanistan women have less rights than men)
- Substantive definition= can be argued that this is not a religion due to no belief in the supernatural.

Question 4

Parsons

Answer 4

Religion integrates people into a value consensus. Shared between religions (EG: 10 commandments in Judaism and Christianity)

religion answers questions beyond science (EG: why good people suffer). Answers are given in tests of faith and rewards in the afterlife.

This gives meaning to a meaningless existence.

Question 5

Marxism

Answer 5

Compensation:
- the idea that God will come to Earth and end suffering (EG: ‘salvation from bondage’)
- acts as a conservative force
EVALUATION:
- Functionalist= ignores positive benefits to society (EG: shared norms and values)

Social Control:
- religion serves ruling class, keeps working class dependent.
- alienation gives W/C false control over destiny (EG: punishment in hell / reincarnation)
EVALUATION:
- neo-marxism= religion can create social change

Legitimisation:
- hierarchy is inevitable / natural / unchangeable so justifies Ruling Class wealth as they can claim it is God-given (EG: the Divine Right of Kings)
EVALUATION:
- Feminism= religion acts to preserve patriarchal control

Question 6

Feminism

Answer 6

Organisations:
- male dominated despite women having more participation (Armstrong= exclusion from priesthood)

Places of Worship:
- segregated
- restricted participation\

Sacred Texts:
- male Gods and Prophets
- written and interpreted by men

Laws and Customs:
- give women fewer rights
- cultural norms cause unequal treatment and reinforce traditional gender roles.

Evaluation:
- Armstrong= early religions were centered around females (EG: goddesses). Monotheistic religions from 4,000 years ago focus on a single, all powerful God.
-Woodhead= hijab / veils worm by women may be seen as a form of liberation to enter the public sphere without condemnation.
- Ray= young, British, muslim women wear the hijab to gain parental approval for higher education / employment.