Theories of religion

Question 1

Malinowski theory of religion (functionalism)

Answer 1

• Perform psychological functions. outcome is uncertain and uncontrollable, during times of crisis

Question 2

Durkheim theory of religion (functionalism)

Answer 2

Totemism, social solidarity, worship the totem. Arunta tribe also worship society with collective rituals

Question 3

Parsons theory of religion (functionalism)

Answer 3

• beliefs support maintenance of social order during social change. provide norms individuals should follow e.g (10 commandments)

Question 4

Marx theory of religion (marxism)

Answer 4

• Religion is an ideological weapon used by ruling class to legitimise the suffering of the poor (favoured in the afterlife)

Question 5

Marx, opium of the masses

Answer 5

• religion dulls the oppression WC face offering a temporary high (better afterlife) to distract from their oppression

Question 6

Armstrong theory of religion (feminist)

Answer 6

• Womens exclusion from priesthood in most religions, evidence of marginalisation

Question 7

Daly theory of religion (feminist)

Answer 7

maintains patriarchy, portraying male domination
- men determined what was in the bible, god is a man

Question 8

Beauvoir theory of religion (feminist)

Answer 8

Tricks women into believing they are equal and will be rewarded in the afterlife

Question 9

Woodhead theory of religion (feminist evaluation)

Answer 9

Religion isn’t always oppressive, ways women gain freedom + respect, the hijab

Question 10

Neo marxist view on religion (Bloch + Gramsci)

Answer 10

Bloch= positive and negative functions, social inequality but ‘principle of hope’, force of social change

Gramsci= church produce own set of ideas that promote social change (individual autonomy) can override religious ideology overall

Question 11

evaluate marxist view on religion

Answer 11

• ignores positive functions, can develop a class consciousness rather than hinder it
• Abercrombie, religion doesn’t control all society, pre-industrial, Christianity ruling class ideology, did not impact the poor

Question 12

postmodernist view on religion (Lyotard)

Answer 12

No longer a monopoly of truth (absolute truth)

Question 13

postmodernist view on religion (Lyon)

Answer 13

• spiritual marketplace, fluid identities choose what religion best suits them.
• religion is disembedded, don’t need to attend organisations. pick n mix parts that they like