BELIEFS Functionalism Flashcards
What Functionalist Think Of Religion
Religion reinforces social norms and producing social solidarity.
The main Functionalist Theorists
- Durkheim
- Parsons
- Malinowski
Durkheim : Sacred + Profane
Distinguishes religion from everything else through the differences between things these groups find sacred and profane.
Sacred things are: objects deems special or forbidden to inspire people and to give feelings of awe, wonder and fear.
Profane things are: objects with no significance / ordinary.
< Durkheim says they are really worshipping society as the worship is collective and brings individuals together >
Durkheim : Totemism
Aboriginal Clan, these tribes would come together to perform rituals of worshipping the totem.
Rituals reinforced solidarity, Durkheim says that they are actually worshipping their society.
Durkheim : Collective Conscience
Shared religious rituals reinforce collective conscience.
Durkheim : Cognitive Functions
Argues religion helps our intelectual capabilities.
Need to understand concepts (time / space)
Shared Understanding
Psychological Functions : Milanowski
Religion promotes social solidarity BUT does this by psychologically helping individuals.
Two types of situations religion plays this role:
1. when the outcome or result is important but out of their control.
2. at times of life crisis, when events mark major or disruptive changes.
PARSONS : Values + Meanings
parsons believes religion helps people cope with unforseen events and uncontrollable outcomes.
Two other essential functions:
1. create society’s central values (sacrilising them)
2. primary source of meaning (answers ultimate questions, bringing comfort and reasurrance)
Bellah : Civil Religion
Interested in how religion unifies society, when there are multiple faiths.
civil religion does what traditional religions cannot, bringing all members of a soeity togethe.
‘Americanism’ is a belief system
