Theories Of Religion

Question 1

Marxists function of religion

Answer 1

False class consciousness
Justifies social inequality
Inhibits social change
Alienation

Question 2

Religion provides false class consciousness

Answer 2

Cushions effects of oppression
“Religion is the opium of the people”
The poor are told that they are the chosen ones
Suffering is promised rewards

Question 3

Religion provides social inequality

Answer 3

Religion is an ideological state apparatus
Passes on ruling class ideology
Preserves existing patterns of wealth

Question 4

For Marxists, how does religion inhibit social change

Answer 4

Keeps the rich rich and the poor poor
Conservative force
Don’t know how unfair it is

Question 5

For Marxists, how does religion alienate people

Answer 5

Humans invent a god, they believe it is omnipotent
People become passive and fatalistic
Deny their right to make decisions

Question 6

Evidence for Marxist function of religion

Answer 6

Fundamentalism
Groups in USA, hold conservative laws

Catholic Church
Traditional stance on abortion

Question 7

Criticisms of Marxist function of religion

Answer 7

Fewer people go to a place of worship
Ignores stability
Secularisation

Question 8

For functionalists what is the function of religion

Answer 8

Collective conscience
Value consensus
Coping with life stress

Question 9

Durkheims theory of religion

Answer 9

Sacred objects
Aboriginal study, sacred worship of totem poles
Humans are inferior to objects
Encourages shared values and creates value consensus

Question 10

How does religion provide a Collective conscience

Answer 10

Singing and dancing- provides social solidarity
Norms and values taught through teachings
Uplifting and socialable services

Question 11

Malinowski’s theory of religion

Answer 11

Religion helps to cope with social stress
Unpredictable events threaten social fodder
Religion provides meaning for these
Triobriand Islanders In 1920’s went fishing, tension as it was dangerous
Special boats, rituals unified the community

Question 12

Criticisms of Functionalists theory of religion

Answer 12

Ignored NRMS
Ignores evidence of religion providing change
Beliefs passed on are those of community

Question 13

Feminist theory of religion

Answer 13

Patriarchy
Oppresses women
Sees them as dirty

Question 14

How does religion reproduce patriarchy?

Answer 14

Male dominant organisations
Places of worship segregate sexes
Women not allowed to preach
Tests feature the doing of male gods

Question 15

How are religious texts patriarchal?

Answer 15

Transmit patriarchal stories
Simon de Beauvoir: religion is exploitative and oppressive
Women out up with suffering to get rewards in heaven
See women as temptresses

Question 16

What’s the main role of women that is portrayed in religion

Answer 16

Having babies
Primary caregivers
Very important in traditional religion
Traps women into roles

Question 17

What do Armstrong, El Saadawi and Woodhead say about religion?

Answer 17

Armstrong: women haven’t a,ways been subordinate to men
Early religion placed women at the heart

El Saadawi: religion is not the direct cause of the oppression, religion was reshape due to patriarchy

Woodhead: women can use religion to feel liberation and freedom

Question 18

Criticisms of the feminist theory of religion

Answer 18

Not necessarily passive victims
May resists oppression
Not patriarchal in aspects where it protects women
May be transmitted but not by religion

Question 19

Market exchange theory on religion

Answer 19

Stark and bainbridge
Religion is a compensator
Supply led religion

Question 20

Stark and bainbridge theory of religion

Answer 20

People are naturally religious
It fulfills basic needs
It’s human nature to seek rewards and avoid costs

Question 21

How does Religion provide compensators

Answer 21

Cycle of renewal: religion fluctuates as popularity changes
Each religion persuades, attracts its customers by rewards
If they don’t do this they decline

Question 22

How can religion be said to be ‘supply led’

Answer 22

Growth of Televangelists
Promoted the religion through commercials
Led to growth of mega churches, large congregations, lavish resources

Question 23

Criticism of the market theory of religion

Answer 23

Misrepresents secularisation
Non sociology
Presumes everyone turns to religion

Question 24

What does the phenomenological approach say about religion

Answer 24

Universe of meaning: set of beliefs and values helps people make sense of the world, enabled them to give life order and meaning
Theodicy of meaning: answer to unanswered questions
Sacred Canopy: religion once held up the canopy but is beginning to collapse as uncertainty grows