Theories on the role of religion MT1 Flashcards
Functionalist theory - Durkheim
The function of religion is to create and maintain value consensus and social solidarity. The main feature of religion is the distinction it makes between the sacred and profane. The sacred are symbols that have holy meaning and the profane is everything that makes up our everyday lives. The sacred symbols represent the collective conscious -set of shared beliefs, values and traditions. Durkheim’s analysis was based on the study of aboriginal tribes. Aboriginal tribes were divided into clans and each clan was represented by a symbol, a totem, usually in the form of a plant or animal. Each clan regarded its totem as sacred. Therefore, in worshipping the totem, the clan was actually worshipping its society as the totem was the representation of it.
evaluation of durkheim
his theory was based on flawed evidence: he misunderstood the Aboriginal tribes and their use of totems
Parsons
The function of religion is to create meanings for members of a society and provide the core values of a culture thus promoting social solidarity. Religion provides core values by sacralising them- making them sacred. For example, the Ten Commandments have become a part of the general values of our society. Religion creates meaning by providing answers to ‘ultimate’ questions. E.g, Why is there suffering?
Criticism of Parsons
He fails to explain the origins of religion
2 ways in which Marxists say the role of religion in society is to maintain capitalism and benefit the r/c
Religion is a tool of ideological control - it distorts reality by encouraging the belief that people's live are determined by a supernatural power (e.g Christians and Muslims believe in predetermination - God has already planned every aspect of a person's life before they were born) so that there's little they can do to change or improve their situation This therefore maintains false class consciousness thus preventing revolution. Similarly, Lenin referred to religion as a spiritual gin - an intoxication given to the w/c by the r/c to confuse them and keep them in their place. Religion also legitimates the power of the r/c by making their position divinely ordained. For example, in feudal England the King was seen as God's representative on Earth and so had to be obeyed. Therefore, disobedience to the monarchy isn't just illegal, it is a sin.
Criticisms of Marxist theory on the role of religion
Ignores secularisation -how can the r/c impose its ideology on the masses via religion if the masses don’t attend church/places of worship.
Marx claimed that in a communist society there would be no need for religion. However, in many communist societies people continued to be religious
Holm organisation
Most religion founders were men e.g Buddha, Jesus Christ
As a result, religious leaders tend to be men and even if women were allowed into the leadership structure of religion their position is subordinate to that of men. For example, in Islam, only men can be Imams
criticism of Holm
Protestant Church now allows female priests and bishops
Radical Feminist View
Radical Feminists see religion as a patriarchal institution; existing for the benefit of men
DE BEAUVOIR argues that religion is used by men to control women. This is bc men exercise control over religious beliefs, e.g men wrote the Bible so male power is presented as God given.DE BEAUVOIR also argues religion compensates women for their low status. For example, the promises of rewards in the afterlife. DALY argues that religion is infused with patriarchy. For example, it provides strict rules specifically for women to follow such as how to dress.
criticism of radical feminists
Radical Feminist views are ethnocentric , e.g Muslim women claim that wearing the hijab is liberating for them- it liberates them from being objectified by men.
criticism of radical feminists
Radical Feminist views are ethnocentric , e.g Muslim women claim that wearing the hijab is liberating for them- it liberates them from being objectified by men.
