theories of religion

Question 1

functionalism

Answer 1

Key beliefs: religion contributes to social cohesion, integration and value consensus.
it maintains social order by reinforcing shared norms and values
Key thinkers: Durkheim, Malinowski, Parsons and Bellah

Question 2

Durkheim’s key ideas

Answer 2

-the sacred and the profane
-totemism
-the collective conscience
-cognitive functions of religion

Question 3

The sacred and the profane

Answer 3

-Religion divides the world into sacred things which are set apart and forbidden which inspire feelings of awe and the profane ordinary everyday things
- e.g. religious symbols like a cross vs a piece of wood
- the sacred represents the collective values of society thereby reinforcing social cohesiom

Question 4

totemism

Answer 4

• Durkheim studied totemism in Aboriginal societies as he believed it was the earliest and simplest form of religion
• Totems represent the clan and its collective identity
  -therefore worshipping the totem is essentially worshipping society itself which strengthens group unity

Question 5

the collective conscience

Answer 5

-religion strengthens the collective conscience by encouraging acts which bind society together
- e.g. rituals such as communal prayer or festivals reinforce these shared beliefs