Beliefs in Society 1

Religion is a conservative force.

What is a belief?

Idea or value that someone thinks without proof

What is the substantive definition of religion?

Religion must include a belief in supernatural power

What is the functional defintion of religion?

Functions that it performs for people e.g. answering ultimate questions

What is a social constructionist definition of religion?

Not possible to produce a single universal definition - usually influenced by those in power

What is a criticism of the functional definition of religion?

Just because it helps integrate people does not make it a religion or else football chanting would be considered one

What is a criticism of the substantive definition of religion?

Ignores religions with practices and beliefs that don’t involve God

What is a criticism of the social constructionist definition of religion?

Impossible to generalise

What is social solidarity?

Bonds that hold a society together

What is value consensus?

Share same ideals

What is the collective conscience?

Ensures norms and values are internalised

What does Durkheim argue about religion?

Social construct that helps bind people

Durkheim defines something as either:

• Sacred

• Profane

What is an example of something that is sacred?

Bible

What is an example of something that is profane?

Bin

What religion did Durkheim study?

Totemism

What is Totemism?

Totem believed to have divine properties and the group will come together in ceremonies to reinforce solidarity

What does Durkheim say the totem represents?

Society

Why not just worship society instead of a totem?

Easier to visualise direct feelings or awe towards a symbol

What is a criticism of Durkheim?

Not representative of society

What does Malinowski argue different to Durkheim?

Religion helps people cope and if undealt with then social solidarity would break

When does Malinowski argue that religion is most used?

• Outcome important but uncontrollable

• At times of crisis

What is a criticism of Malinowski?

He studied a small tribe so not representative

What does Parsons argue that religion does?

• Legitimises societal values

• Give meaning

What is a criticism of Parsons?

Outdated as society becomes more secular and more regulated by surveillance than religion

What does Bellah argue?

US created civil religion to promote social solidarity amongst multiple religions

What is a criticism of Bellah?

Vague definition of religion

What are the 2 key functions of religion according to Marx?

• Ideology

• Alienation

What does Marx argue that the ideology function does?

Distorts perceptions of reality

What does Marx argue the alienation function does?

Consolation when dehumanised

What does Marx argue will happen to religion in a communist society?

Not necessary

What religion supports Marx?

Hindu Caste System

What does Browne argue?

Stained glass ceiling

What is an example of women being oppressed in religion?

Islamic inheritance law

What is an example of a woman in religious teachings who encourages the patriarchy?

Eve

What does de Beauvoir argue?

Religion encourages women to be subservient, allowing men to dominate with impunity with the promise of compensators

What does Armstrong argue?

Early religions placed women at the centre

What does El Saadawi argue?

Practices are not a result of religion but the male misinterpretation of the texts