theories of religion - functionalism

Question 1

durkheim (1915)

Answer 1

argues that religious institutions play a central part in creating and maintaining value consensus, order and solidarity

Question 2

for durkheim what distiction is a key feature of all religions?

Answer 2

the sacred and the profane

Question 3

durkheim - the sacred

Answer 3

things set apart and forbidden, inspiring feelings of awe, fear and wonder with taboos and prohibitions

Question 4

durkheim - the profane

Answer 4

ordinary things that have no special significance

Question 5

what do functionalists argue why a value consensus is necessary?

Answer 5

without it, individual selfishness would cause social disintegration

Question 6

rituals

Answer 6

a religion is more than a set of beliefs: it has sacred rituals or practices and these rituals are collectives - social groups

Question 7

durkheim - what does sacred things create?

Answer 7

poweful feelings in belivers

Question 8

why does sacred things create powerful feelings in believers ?

Answer 8

they are symbols representing something of great power - this can only be society

Question 9

when people worship scared symbols, what are they worshipping?

Answer 9

society itself

Question 10

the collective conscience

Answer 10

represented by the sacred symbols

Question 11

what reinforces the collective conscience and maintain social integration ?

Answer 11

regular shared religious rituals

Question 12

what do rituals do?

Answer 12

remind individuals of the power of society - without they are nothing - owe everything

Question 13

who is religions important function for and why - because of rituals?

Answer 13

for the individual
making us feel part of something greater than ourselves
strengthens us to face life’s problems

Question 14

durkheim and Mauss - cognitive functions

Answer 14

provides basic concepts such as time, space and causation e.g. idea god brought the world to be

Question 15

for durkheim religion is the orgin of what?

Answer 15

human thought, reason and science

Question 16

Malinowski (1954)

Answer 16

religion promote solidarity bc of pyschological functions in two situations
- outcome is important but uncontrollable and uncertain
- at times of life crisis

Question 17

parsons: values and meaning - two functions of religion in modern society

Answer 17

• creates and legitimates society’s basic norms and values
• provide a source of meaning, answering ‘ultimate’ questions

Question 18

Bellah (1970)

Answer 18

religion unifies society - especially multi-faith like USA

Question 19

what unifies american society?

Answer 19

civil religion

Question 20

what is a civil religion?

Answer 20

a belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society itself - civil religion is a faith in ‘the American way of life’

Question 21

what does american civil religion involve?

Answer 21

loyalty to the nation state and belief in god
both mean being a true american e.g. pledge of allegiance to flag