sociology beliefs

Question 1

Ideology

Substansive

Answer 1

Focuses on the belief in a supernatural power/God.
- Exclusive
- western bias

Question 2

ideology

Functional

Answer 2

Focuses on the social/psychological functions for a individual/society.
- inclusive

Question 3

ideology

Functional-example

Answer 3

Football chants may be viewed as being religious because of the impact it has on individuals with such passion

Question 4

ideology

social constructionist

Answer 4

Focuses on the members of society and how they define religion, cannot produce a universal definition.
- Deeper meanings
- cannot be generalised.

Question 4

functionalist

Durkheim

Answer 4

• The sacred
• Totenism
• strengthening social solidarity
• reinforcing collective
• supporting individuals’ adaptations

Question 5

functionalist

Durkheim-The sacred

Answer 5

Things which has spiritual significance. e.g. symbols which people associate with beliefs and religions.

Question 6

Durkheim-Totenism study

Answer 6

• Australia
• worshipped a totem
• gave members a sense of belonging.

Question 7

Functionalist

Durkheim-reinforcing collective

Answer 7

Religion-set of beliefs, practices or rituals in relation to the sacred.
rituals=collective
rituals represent shared norms, values abd knowledge. = allows integration to happen

Question 8

Functionalist

Durkheim-strengthening social solidarity

Answer 8

when people engage in rituals and religious acts of worship=renewing their sense of belonging.
creates stronger bonds between people and society

Question 9

Functionalist

Durkheim-supporting individuals’ adaptation

Answer 9

offers people confidence, serenity and endurance.
individuals adapt to lufe based on religious beliefs=enduring lifes trials for a better after life.

Question 10

Functionalist

Malinowski

Answer 10

Life crises
Situations of anxiety and uncertainty

Question 12

Malinowski-Life crises and situations of anxiety and uncertainty

Answer 12

Religion is highly involved in both life crises and situations of anxiety and uncertainty, it provides hope and people often turn to a god. E.g. Death, birth, marriage, divorce and illnesses.

Question 13

functionalists

Parsons

Answer 13

Religion is a source of meaning
religion legitimises core values and norms

Question 14

Functionalist

Parsons-religion is a source of meaning

Answer 14

answers ultimate questions
e.g. why do people die? Why do we have pain and suffering?

Question 15

functionalist

Parsons-core values and norms of society

Answer 15

promotes value consensus.

Question 16

Functionalist

Bellah

Answer 16

A belief in god isn’t always a requirement for a religion as long as the belief performs the same function.
e.g. Americanism.

Question 17

Functionalist

Evaluation

Answer 17

• outdated
• too optimistic
• ignores origins of religion

Question 18

Marxist

Marx

Answer 18

“Religion is the opium of the people” - there only relief.
- Religion and ideology
- Religion as social control
- Religion as compensation