Theories Of Religion

Question 1

FUNCTIONALISM

When people worship sacred symbols, they’re worshipping society

Regular rituals reinforces collective consciousness (shared norms and values)

Answer 1

MALINOWSKI - religion performs psychological functions helping to cope with stress

BELLAH’S CIVIL RELIGION - ‘American way of life’ brings America together e.g. national anthem / flag

Question 2

MARXISM

LENIN - ‘spiritual gin’ dosed out by the ruling class to keep working class in their place

Answer 2

‘Opium of the people’ used to dull the pain of exploitation as it will be rewarded in after life

Question 3

FEMINISM

ARMSTRONG - women’s exclusion from priesthood is evidence of their marginalisation

Women can’t touch the Qur’an when menstruating

Answer 3

SOPHIE GILET-RAY - some Muslim women choose to wear the hijab as a way of getting parental approval to further education rather than to be approved by men