Durkheim on religion

Functions of Religion:

  • Durkheim, like many functionalists, argues that religion performed an essential function for society

  • Promoted a form of social cohesion between individuals

  • Promoted a value consensus in society and maintained social order

  • The functionalist position is that religion acts as a conservative force


Durkheim and Religion:

  • Studying the Arunta, an aboriginal tribe, Durkheim set out to understand the function of their belief system

  • Society divided objects and experiences into the sacred and the profane

  • Profane activities and objects were related to day-to-day existence, whilst sacred qualities were given to those that brought people together


Sacred definition:

  • Things set apart and forbidden that inspire feelings of awe, fear and wonder and are surrounded by taboos and prohibitions


Profane definition:

  • Things that have no special significance- things that are ordinary and mundane


Totemism:

  • Studied the simplest form of society-Clan Society - Arunta - Australian Aboriginal tribe

  • Clans consisted of bands of kin who come together to perform rituals which worship the totem

  • The rituals reinforce the group’s solidarity and sense of belonging

  • The totem inspires feelings of awe as it represents the power of the group


Collective conscience:

  • Shared norms, values, beliefs and knowledge that make social life and cooperation between individuals possible


Shared rituals bind together individuals together:

  • They reinforce the collective conscience and maintain social integration

  • Reminds them they are part of a single moral community

  • Reminds them of the power of society and that they are nothing as individuals.

  • It strengthens us to face life's trials


Cognitive functions of religion:

  • Religion is the source of our intellectual capacity. This is our ability to think conceptually.

  • Religion gives us categories like time, space, cause, substance, number

  • Any everybody needs to share these same thoughts and categories


Durkheim and the Arunta:

  • Durkheim analysed what he perceived to be a primitive religious belief system

  • He examined sacred artefacts or 'totems' as part of his research as well as ceremonies

  • Concluded that there were four key functions, but that these were not necessarily supernatural but rather a celebration of society


Durkheim’s Four Functions of Religion:

  • Discipline: Religion imposes self-discipline and social order

  • Cohesion: Religious ceremony allows people to reaffirm their commitment to social bonds

  • Vitalising: Religion transmits values from one generation to the next, ensuring norms and values are vital to the organisation of society

  • Euphoric: Alleviates frustrations by allowing people to become part of something bigger than themselves


Evaluations of Durkheim:

  • Durkheim analysed what he perceived to be a primitive religious belief system

  • He examined sacred artefacts or 'totems' as part of his research as well as ceremonies

  • Concluded that there were four key functions, but that these were not necessarily supernatural but rather a celebration of society