Theories of Religion - Religion as a conservative force

What is meant by a conservative force?

A conservative force maintains or seeks to restore traditional beliefs and maintains the status quo

This also involves building and maintaining social solidarity by protecting traditional values and the existing state of affairs

FUNCTIONALISM AND RELIGION

The functionalist perspective sees religion as a conservative force, promoting social harmony, social integration and social solidarity through reinforcing the value consensus.

This perspective is concerned with analysing the role of religion in meeting the functional prerequisites - Religion is viewed as part of the culture or way of life and it helps maintain cultural traditions

DURKHEIM - Believed religious institutions play a central part in creating and maintaining value consensus, order and solidarity

    → Religion binds people together like ‘social glue’
    All societies distinguish between:

•  Sacred - objects, rituals and people that are regarded as having special significance and are treated with awe and respect

• Profane - objects, activities and people that are ordinary, everyday and not treated as special

    However, Durkheim believed there was nothing intrinsically special about sacred     objects; they are made special because they are symbolic to particular social     groups

    Totemism - Studied among the central Australian Arunta tribes of aborigines.