Functionalist Perspective: conservative force

Question 1

Social solidarity

Answer 1

Refers to integration of people in society through shared values, common culture, shared understanding and social ties that bind them together

Question 2

A conservative force

Answer 2

One that maintains or seeks to restore traditional beliefs and customs and maintains status quo. May sometimes involve supporting social change to keep order

Question 3

What did Durkheim study?

Answer 3

Totemism in Australian arunta tribe- argued totem represents religion in most basic form. When worshipping totem, actually worshipping society

Question 4

Malinowski views

Answer 4

Saw as reinforcing social norms and values and promoting social solidarity. Saw as providing explanations for events that were hard to explain, as well as security in face of uncertainty.

Question 5

Parsons

Answer 5

Emphasises role of religion in providing and underpinning the core values of any culture, and the social norms which regulate people’s behaviour

Question 6

Criticisms

Answer 6

Downplaying social change
Declining religiosity and secularization
Religion disruptive and socially divisive influence
Postmodernists say can’t apply to contemporary society

Question 7

Overview

Answer 7

Sees as mainly conservative force, promoting social harmony, integration and solidarity through reinforcement of value consensus

Question 8

Key people

Answer 8

Durkheim
Maliowski
Parsons

Question 9

Durkheim: 4 main strands

Answer 9

1. Sacred and profane
2. Totemism
3. Cognitive functions of religion
4. Collective conscience

Question 10

Malinowski

Answer 10

Saw religion as providing explanations for events that were hard to explain, as well as security in the face of uncertainty. Such as death, illness, suffering which may produce anxiety and tensions that can threaten social solidarity. Religion therefore provides explanation and meaning.