sociology- beliefs in society

the 3 definitions of religion

substantive, functional and constructionist

substantive definitions

must have belief in god/ supernatural

funtional definitions

social/ psychological function for its believers and society

constuctionist definitions

whatever ppl believe and decide

durkheims key feat of religion

distinction between sacred and profance

define sacred

things that are set apart and forbidden, inspired by awe, fear (totem)

define profane

things with no special significance (ordinary/mundane)

sacred things are a symbol of

society’s power and shared values

durkheims 2 cognitive functions of religion

think and reason conceptually, share thoughts using same categories as others

criticisms of durkheim

apply to small scale societies/ single religion, cant apply to contemporary society and doesnt explain conflicts

functionalists state societies basic needs is

social order and solidarity so members cooperate

functionalists argue orders achieved through

value consensus, without pursue selfish desires

MALINOWSKI- psychological functions

religion provides psychological support during emotional stress e.g. life crisis

PARSONS- values and meanings

primary source= ultimate Q and creates/ legitimates societys central values

BELLAH- civil religion

loyalty to nation state and belief in god

Americas civil religion

attaches sacred qualities to society itself, american way of life

civil religion is expressed in

rituals or symbols they participate in

eval of functionalism

neglects negative aspects is source of oppresion for poor and women and ignores source of division and conflict

MARX- fcc

religions bad as used by borugeoisie to exploit and alienate proletariat

religion would disappear

in communism, classless society

marxist ideology

religion is an ideological weapon to legitimate suffering, god given

ideology quote

easier for camel to pass through eye of needle than rich man in heaven

religion is opium of

masses, makes feel good with no enocuragement to change situation

LENIN- spiritual gin

intoxicant keeping poor in place and confused to prevent overthrow of r/c

eval of marxism

althusser rejects alienation as unscientific and based on romantic idea humans have a true self

3 feminist views

liberal, radical and marxist

liberal feminists

church is unequal, women should be allowed same religious jobs as men

radical feminists

religions patriarchal, mens fault for womens oppression and they benefit from low social status

marxist feminists

religions tool of womens oppression/ capitalism, domestic labour lets men work longer hours

evidence of patriarchy- 4

religious organisations, places worship, sacred texts, laws and customs

religious forms of feminism

WOODHEAD- hijab is liberation so not immodest and symbol of freedom, despite some seeing as oppression

ARMSTRONG- counter evidence of feminism

religion used to place women at centre 6000 yrs ago, after came rise of monotheistic religions