theories in religion- functionalism

Question 1

what does functionalism see religion as (&define)

Answer 1

conservative force- keeping society the way it is

Question 2

what are the 4 functionalist views on religion?

Answer 2

religion unites people (durkheim)
religion answers ultimate questions (parsons)
religion provides comfort (malinowski)
religion integrates society (bellah)

Question 3

religion unites people

Answer 3

religion unites people through shared beliefs and practices, developing moral ties and a collective conscience- binds society together eg mecca and lourdes
or eg arunta tribe, practiced totemism, worshipping totem that represented society, these rituals etc acted as a social glue, binding people together, collective conscience-conservative force that prevents any rapid social change

Question 4

religion unites people ao3

Answer 4

rad fem- reinforces patriarchal values,bind us to laws and customs that are oppressing women

Question 5

religion answers ultimate questions

Answer 5

primary source of meaning-religion answers ultimate questions about the meaning of life &human condition (why do the good die young etc) - such events defy justice and make life seem meaningless, religion gives people meaning & challenges uncertainty- society can keep going the way it is (conservative force)

Question 6

ultimate questions ao3

Answer 6

marxists argue that religion is the opium of the people, and gives people a distraction from uncertainty rather than provide answers for it

Question 7

religion provides comfort

Answer 7

malinowski- religion provides comfort in uncontrollable/ uncertain situations - eg through trobriand islanders, usually fished in lagoon (safe, predictable waters) but at times had to fish in ocean- uncertain& unsafe, so would perform ‘canoe magic’ rituals, which they believed would allow them to return safely

Question 8

religion provides comfort ao3

Answer 8

marxism- comfort through opium of the people-dulls the pain of exploitation rather than a sense of security

Question 9

religion intergrates society

Answer 9

bellah- religion unifies society-civil religion (americanism) eg in america there are multiple religions, but all brought together by culture- loyal to america & patriotism binds together americans from many different ethnic backgrounds eg through 4th of july

Question 10

religion intergrates society ao3

Answer 10

rising of new christian right- bruce argues they have turned away from god, conflict over abortions etc which shows there is no single shared belief