Malinowski (Psychological functions)

What Malinowski’s view on religion?

• Malinowski conducted anthropological research

• Studied Trobriand Islanders in the South Pacific

• Religion served psychological functions for the islanders

• Provided support in times of emotional stress, particularly life events

What are life events?

• Malinowski argued that life events have the potential to unsettle individuals

• Ceremonies marked different life stages, such as puberty, marriage, birth of children and death of loved ones

• Religious beliefs helped to ease the tensions and uncertainty surrounding these events

Who are Trobiand Islanders?

• Malinowski observed rituals of the Trobriand

• Islanders before dangerous events, such as ocean fishing

• Religious ceremonies are used to allay fears of those undertaking activities

• The secondary function of death being rationalized as being the 'will of the gods'

What is the application to life events?

• Religious ceremonies mark 'coming of age e.g. confirmation in Catholicism and bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah in Judaism

• Religious ceremonies for marriage - variations in length of ceremony and customs

• Birth of children - circumcision in Judaism, shaving of head in Islam and Hindu faiths

• Death - differences in mourning periods and internment of the body

What are the evaluations of Malinowski?

• Critics argue that religion is not based on religious belief but rather on the social and emotional connections between individuals as a support system

• Religion provides comfort rather than superstitious belief

• Bruce argues that the decline in religious practices, particularly in the West shows that religion is not necessary for psychological functions to be met.