Sociology - Functionalist theories of religon

  1. religion is not based on gods but based on - sacred and profane

  2. one advantage of the functionalist perspective on religion is provides a positive outlook and purpose to religion

  3. one disadvantage of the functionalist perspective on religion is arm chair sociologist that does not go out and conduct research themselves. 

Psychological functions - Malinowski (1954)

agree with durkheim that it promotes social solidarity. However it also preforms functions for individuals, rather than for society itself.

It helps them cope with stress and problems, which could threaten the stability of society.For example, many people that suffer from financial stress may turn to domestic violence.

Religion therefore does 2 things for people:

when a situation is uncontrollable, people turn to religion to feel a sense of ease and certainty

at times of life crises. religion helps people deal with these.

where the outcome is important but is uncontrollable and thus certain - trobiand islanders of the western pacific, malinowski contrasts fishing in the lagoon and fishing in the ocean.

strengths and weaknesses 

strength -

looks at an individual response 

gives the people a sense of comfort before going out to sea on boat

weakness-

ignores religon as a source of division and conflict 

Parsons value and meaning (1967)

parsons agrees with malinowski in that religion helps people to cope. He also agrees with durkhiem that it preforms functions to help society.

1) It creates and legitimate societies values by making them sacred ( e.g. the idea of self- discipline). Therefore, it promotes societies values and ensures people follow them.

2) It is the primary source of meaning - it helps to answer the ‘ultimate’ questions about life’  ‘why do the good suffer?"‘ why do some people die young?’ ‘where do we go when we die?”

Evaulation of parsons (1967)

evaulation of talcott parsons perspective (A03)

1.advantages

demonstrates how religion can provide social stability.

  1. disadvantages 

  1. Parsons views are arguably outdated. We live in an increasingly secular society.

  2. does religon promote social conflict? Can you think of any examples?

Evaulation of functionalism 

empahsises the social nature of religon and the postive functions it preforms but neglects negative aspects such as religion as a source of oppression of women.

It ignores religion division and conflict, especially in complex modern societies where there is more than one religion .e.g northen ireland. where there is religion pluralism, it is hard to see how it can unite people.

Outline and explain two functions of religion (10marks)

5 marks A01

point 

  • one reason..

  • one factor…

  • one argument…

  • one crtiism…

  • one function

A02

explain

  • this means that..

  • the relevance of this is…

  • this indicates that…

  • X argues that.. this..

  • supports..

link

  • therefore…