Theories of religion

What are the 3 main ways that sociologists define religion?

Substantive, functional and constructionist

Malinowski

Religion performs a psychological function by helping people cope with stress,

Malinowski identifies 2 situations where religion performs this role:

1)Where the outcome is important but uncontrollable- Malinowski did a study of islanders of the Western Pacific and found that in Lagoon fishing it was safe and predictable so there was no ritual .Whereas in Ocean fishing it was dangerous and uncertain so people did rituals to ensure they were safe.

2)At times of life crises

What is the Substantive definition of religion and who talks about it?

Weber -defines religion as a set of beliefs that must include belief in God or the supernatural

What is the Functional definition of religion and who talks about it ?

Defines religion in terms of the social or psychological functions it performs for individuals or society.

Durkheim- defines religion in terms of the contribution it makes to social integration rather than a belief in God.

Yinger- religion ‘answers ultimate questions’

What is the Constructionist definition of religion and who talks about it?

Focuses on how members of society themselves define religion. They argue that it is not possible to to produce a single universal definition.

Aldridge- gives an example that the followers of ‘Scientology’ view it as a religion while several governments reject this as a religion.

What were Durkheim’s key ideas about religion?

The sacred and the profane- The sacred are things that are set apart and forbidden for the world that inspire feelings of awe, wonder and fear. While the profane are things that have no special significance. These beliefs have a function of uniting believers by making them have a shared set of values and morals

Totemism- Durkheim believes that worshipping an emblem causes feelings of awe in the members and reinforces the groups solidarity and belonging but this emblem is them actually worshipping society.

Cognitive function- religion is the origin of human thought, reason and science. He believes that religion provides basic categories such as time and space. For example, with ideas of the beginning of time being when the creator brought the world into being.

What are criticisms of Durkheim’s belief?

Postmodernist- Mestrovic -argues that his ideas cannot be applied to contemporary society as there is increasing diversity and there is no longer a single shared value system for religion to reinforce.

Who talks about Civil religion and what do they say?

Bellah- talks about how religion unifies society ,especially in a multi-faith society like America. Bellah argues that civil religion integrates society in a way that churches or other organisations cannot. For example, American civil religion involves loyalty to the nation and a belief in God- these 2 things are what is seen as being a true American. This can be seen through rituals such as the pledge of allegiance to the flag or the national anthem.

What does Marx say about religion?

Religion distorts reality for working class in favour of ruling class- it encourages them to keep working

Acts as an ‘opium of the people’ - makes people forget their suffering

Religion becomes an ‘ideological weapon’ as people accept their position in society

Religion enables ‘status quo’ - society remains how it is

Who agrees with Marx and what do they say?

Lenin - describes religion as a ‘spiritual gin’ to make people forget suffering

What do feminists believe about religion?

Religion is patriarchal:

-less accessibility of places of worship

-gender stereotypes in sacred texts e.g. Jesus’ disciples

-religious laws and customs

What evidence does Armstrong give in favour of feminist views?

Exclusion from priesthood

What does Holm say ?

Gives example of the ban on touching the Quran when women are menstruating or pregnant which mean they can’t participate.

What sociologists criticise the feminist perspective?

Armstrong, Saadawi, Woodhead, Brusco

What does Armstrong say?

He looked into ancient religions which put women at the centre until 4000 years ago

What does Saadawi say?

Religion itself is not the main cause of women’s oppression but the male interpretation is.

What does Woodhead say?

Women can use religion to gain further freedom e.g. hijab giving Muslim women access to public spaces, employment and education

What does Brusco say?

Gender paradox - Pentecostal group in Columbia which is very patriarchal which is joined by women as it protects women from domestic violence and gives respect.