Beliefs in Society

What would functionalists say about impact of religion in society?

Same values= social cohesion/social solidarity everyone going to the same things such as churches.

Many favour big/structured religions/ 6 world religions.

-Reinforced rule of laws- Laws in the Uk based on the 10 commandments comfort and meaning during times of distress and uncertainty.

What would marxists say about the impact of religion in society?

Religion as an ideological tool used by the ruling class to suppress the w/c.

The promise of a heaven or an afterlife allows for suffering to continue and go unchallenged. The w/c are happy to continue their life of suffering because promise of suffering being rewarded.

Keeping w/c in place with no social mobility.

ISA- Althusser religion is part of the ISA religion used to control idea lined to capitalists- even jesus had a day job- carpenter.

What would feminists say about the impact of religion in society?

Some christian’s don’t support aboritons.

Different divorce views.

Reinforces gender inequality through the structure of religion eg some woman cannot be in some positions of power eg pope.

Functionalists/ Inclusive Definitions

This definition considers religion in terms of the social or psychological functions that it perfoms for individuals and society. Durkheim focused on the functions of beliefs in society. It is inclusive as it allows for a wide range of beliefs such as those without a god, for example Buddhism.

Substantive/ Exclusivist definition

This definition focuses on the content or substance of religion such as a belief in Gob or a supernatural being. It therefore fits with what most individuals consider to be a religion and is adopted by most sociologists. It is exclusive because they draw a clear line between religious and non religious beliefes. To be a religion, a set of beliefs must include belief in a god or supernatural.

What do totems provide for society?

Represent tribe and identity through symbols and logos.

What does Durkheim say about religion?

Durkheim believed that sacred symbols represent societies collective conscience.(what society believed is right + wrong makes everyone feel connected part of same community) Believed that without a strong collective conscience society could become unstable or fall into a state of anomie (normlessness). Regular shared religious rituals reinforce the collective conscience and reinforce social order. People bond through sacred rituals and are reminded of the power of society without which they are nothing and owe everything to.

How do Totems support Durkheim view?

Durkheim believed that the essence of all religion could be found in studying the simplest forms of society, clan-society. He therefore studied the Arunta (Australiann A original tribe). The totem is the clans embiem, such as an animal or plant that symbolizes the clans origins and identity. The rituals serve to reinforce the groups sense of solidarity and belonging. Worshipping the totem Durkheim believed that they were in fact worshipping society.Represents the power of the group and the utter dependence.

Durkheim Religon Funcationalist evaluations

1.Durkheim theory in religion has been criticised for not applying to modern society.For example Mestrovic (2011) argues that in a modern society Durkheims theory of religion could not be applied because increasing diversity has fragmented the collective conscience.Durkheims theory of religion is therefore only really applicable to small scale societies.

2.Civil religion has been particularly criticised for pushing the boundaries of possibility.Civil religion has no supernatural element and has therefore not been seen by many as religion at all!.

Malinowski- Psychological functions

Agreed with Durkheim ( promotes solidarity) However argued that it was done though performing psychological functions which individuals to cope with emotional stress that could otherwise lead to social instability. 1. situation is use of ritual to give people a sense of control. Malinowski shows this with the Trobriand islanders- Lagoon fishing is safe and predictable- islanders do not do any religious rituals. Ocean fishing- dangerous so islanders use “ canoe magic” to ensure a successful safe trip. The ritual gives the islanders a sense of control and confidence which reinforces solidarity.