Theories of Religion - Functionalism

Question 1

Outline the substantive definition of religion

Answer 1

Weber
A belief in a superior or supernatural power that is above nature and cannot be explained scientifically

Question 2

Outline functional definition of religion

Answer 2

Durkheim
Defines religion in terms of the contribution it makes to social integration rather than any specific belief in God

Question 3

‘Ultimate questions’ definition of religion

Answer 3

Yinger
Identifies functions religion performs for individuals such as answering ‘ultimate questions’ about the meaning of life and what happens after death

Question 4

Why are substantive definitions ethnocentric?

Answer 4

Accused of western bias because they exclude religions such as Buddhism which do not

Question 5

Why are social constructionist definitions interpretivists?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Sociologist and their theory of how religions are socially constructed

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Functionalism - social solidarity

Answer 7

Parsons
Religion promotes social solidarity by helping individuals cope with unforeseen, uncontrollable events

Creates and legitimises society’s central values - Protestantism made values such as meritocracy and self discipline sacred

Question 8

Functionalism - Civil religion

Answer 8

Bellah
The 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 - expressed through various symbols such as pledge of allegiance to national anthem

Question 9

Functionalism - emotional stress

Answer 9

Malinowski
Religion promotes social solidarity by helping people cope with emotional stress in two situations
1) where the outcome is important but is uncontrollable/uncertain
2) At times of life crisis

Question 10

Explain the Trobriand tribe & canoe magic

Answer 10

Ocean fishing is dangerous and uncertain, accompanied by ‘canoe magic’ which is a ritual to ensure a safe and successful expedition - gives people a sense of control and confidence to undertake hazardous task - reinforces social solidarity

Question 11

What are the sacred and the profane?

Answer 11

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)

Question 12

Explain totemism

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Explain collective conscious

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Criticisms of totemism

Answer 14

Worsley
There is no sharp division between the sacred and profane, different clans share the same totems