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5840710
Functionalist Theory of Religion
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Functionalist Theory of Religion
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sociology
a-level
religion
sociology
religion
as - level
Mind Map by
JJ Ralph
, updated more than 1 year ago
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Created by
JJ Ralph
over 8 years ago
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Resource summary
Functionalist Theory of Religion
Durkheim
Religion is a distinction between sacred and profane
Sacred = Set apart, forbidden, inspires awe and wonder
Profane = No significance
When people worship, they are worshipping society itself.
All Symbols unite believers into a 'single moral community'
Totemism
Arunta clan = Kin coming together worship a sacred totem
They worship society, totem represents the power of the group
Collective Conscience
Shared norms and values that make co-operation possible.
Shared religious rituals remind individuals of the single moral community that they should be loyal to
Gives individuals motivation to overcome obstacles
Source of conceptual thinking, origin of human thought, reason and science
Criticisms
Durkheim theories can be applied to smaller societies, but doesn't explain the conflict between views in larger ones
Mestrovic (PostMod): Increased diversity has fragmented collective conscience. No longer single shared values
Psychological Functions
Malinowski (1954): Helps individuals cope with emotional stress:
Where the outcome of a situation is uncertain
Minimises disruption in a life crisis: Death is the main reason for religious belief
Parsons (1967)
Religion creates and legitimises society's central values
Legitimises norms and values by making them sacred. E.g. In US, protestantism involves values of individualism, meritocracy and self-discipline.
It is the primary source of meaning
Answers questions such as why good people suffer or why people die young. Helps people adjust and maintains stability
Civil Religion
Bellah (1970)
Civil Religion = attaching sacred qualities to society itself. E.g, Americanism
Loyalty to nation state and flag.
Evaluation
Neglects the view that religion is a source of oppression on women and the poor
Ignores religion as a source of conflict, especially in places with many religions such as Northern Ireland
Civil religion is not actually religion if there is no supernatural belief
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