Theories of Religion - Functionalism Flashcards
Outline functional definition of religion
Durkheim
Defines religion in terms of the contribution it makes to social integration rather than any specific belief in God
‘Ultimate questions’ definition of religion
Yinger
Identifies functions religion performs for individuals such as answering ‘ultimate questions’ about the meaning of life and what happens after death
Why are substantive definitions ethnocentric?
Accused of western bias because they exclude religions such as Buddhism which do not
Why are social constructionist definitions interpretivists?
Takes an interpretivist approach and focuses on how society defines religion
Not possible to produce a single, universal definition of religion since it means different things to groups/people
Sociologist and their theory of how religions are socially constructed
Aldridge
For its members, scientology is a religion whereas several Governments have denied it legal status as a religion
Religion is constructed by those who have power
Who outlines two essential functions performed by religion?
Parsons
It creates and legitimises society’s central values (does thus by sacralising them thus in the USA, Protestantism has sacralised the core American values of individualism, meritocracy and self discipline, this promotes value consensus and social stability)
It is the primary source of meaning (religion answers ultimate questions about the human condition, such as why the good suffer, why some people die young, such events make our lives feel meaningless, religion provides answers eg, by explaining suffering as a test of faith, which helps maintain social stability)
What is meant by civil religion?
Bellah
What unifies American society is a civil relgion, a belief system that attaches sacred values to society itself - argues civil religion integrates society in a way that all churches and religions in America cannot
American civil religion involves loyalty to the nation state and belief in God, both of which are equated with being American- expressed through various symbols such as pledge of allegiance to national anthem
It sacrifices the American way of life
How does religion perform a psychological function?
Malinowski
Religion performs a psychological function by helping people cope with emotional stress that would undermine social solidarity, outlines 2 situations where religion would perform this role:
1) where the outcome is uncontrollable and uncertain (uses example of Trobriand islanders in the pacific, lagoon fishing is safe, uses a predicable method of poisoning — no ritual however ocean fishing, dangerous and uncertain so they use ‘canoe magic’ to ensure a safe expedition, sense of control to undertake hazardous tasks, reinforces solidarity)
2) At times of life crisis, events such as birthdays, puberty, marriage and death mark disruptive changes for social groups, funeral rituals reinforce feeling of solidarity among survivors
What are the sacred and the profane?
Durkheim
Main purpose of religion is to differentiate between the sacred (things that are special because they are a product of a higher power/supernatural being) or the profane (things that are ordinary, average and no special meaning)
Explain totemism
Essence of religion can be found by studying its simplest form in the simplest type of society
Durkhein studied the Arunta Aboriginal tribe - consists of bands of kin who come together periodically to worship a sacred totem
Totem represents the clans origins and identity, reinforcing a sense of belonging and solidarity
Explain collective conscious
Durkheim
Sacred symbols represent the societies collective conscience - shared norms and values that make social living possible
Durkheim believes regular religious rituals reinforce collective conscious and maintains social integration by reminding ppl that they share a common outlook to which they owe loyalty
Criticisms of totemism
Worsley
There is no sharp division between the sacred and profane, different clans share the same totems
