Beliefs- Theories of religion

Question 1

Functionalism- Durkheim

Answer 1

The key to religion is the fundamental distinction between the sacred and profane, the sacred are the forbidden things that are taboo or inspire awe and the profane are things that have no special significance that are ordinary.

• Sacred things evoke powerful feelings due to how they represent something greater, the only greater thing is society so religious worship is worship to society.
• Sacred symbols represent society’s collective conscience which maintains social integration and brings them all together. Also, the individual society makes us feel part of something greater than us.

Question 2

Functionalism- Malinowski

Answer 2

argues that religion promotes social solidarity due to its psychological functions (helping them cope with emotional stress).

• There are 2 situations in which religion promotes social solidarity:
• Where the outcome is important but is uncontrollable and thus uncertain (lagoon fishing is safe but ocean fishing is dangerous so islanders perform rituals)
• At times of life crises (birth, puberty, marriage, funeral rituals).

Question 3

Functionalism- Parsons

Answer 3

•Sees religion as a way to help people cope with unforeseen events and uncontrollable outcomes.

• Religion also creates and legitimates society’s central values (Protestantism in the US sacralised the core American value of individualism) and is the primary source of meaning (it answers ultimate questions and gives meaning to lives).

Question 4

Functionalism- Bella’s

Answer 4

• A civil religion (a belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society) unifies over all
• e.g. ‘the American way of life’.
• It performs functions similar to those of organised religion,
• Such as reinforcing shared values or maintaining social cohesion.

Question 5

Marxism- Religion as an ideology

Answer 5

• Marx believes that religion operates as an ideological weapon used to legitimate the suffering of the proletariat.
• Religion misleads the poor into thinking that their suffering is virtuous and will be rewarded in the afterlife.
• Religion also acts a way to legitimate the position of the ruling class, they’re roles are ‘divinely ordained*

• Ignores the positive functions of religion such as psychological adjustment to misfortune.
• Neo-Marxists see certain forms of religion as assisting not hindering the development of class consciousness.

Question 6

Marxism- Religion and alienation

Answer 6

• Religion acts as an opiate to dull the pain the lower classes feel over alienation which is the separation they have from the rewards of their hard work.
• It acts as no solution, aspects as an afterlife just provides a source of consolation.

Althusser (1971) rejects alienation as a scientific concept due to the idea that humans have an idea of their ‘true self.

Question 7

Feminism- Evidence of the patriarchy

Answer 7

• Religious organisations (male dominated despite how women participate more)
• Places of worship (segregate the sexes, women’s participation may also be restricted, taboos concerning periods, pregnancy and childbirth)
• Sacred texts (all feature male figures such as gods of prophets)
• Religious laws and customs (women are given fewer rights)

Question 8

Feminism- Religious forms of feminism

Answer 8

• Woodhead admitted while there is a lot of oppression in many religions, it is not true of all.
• RWearing the hijab is seen as modern-day oppression to westerners, however to Muslim women it is seen as a symbol of liberation that allows them to enter public spheres with being condemned as being immodest
• Women also use religion to gain status and respect within the private sphere of their home, they use activities linked to the church (e.g. Bible studies) to share their experiences.