Functionalism

Question 1

Durkheim sacred & profane

Answer 1

Scared- Things members do that are special or inspirational e.g. attending a Mosque
Profane- everyday aspects of life e.g. doing the dishes

Question 2

Durkheim Totemism study

Answer 2

Each clan had a symbol e.g. animal that was sacred, when the aborigines worship their totems, they are symbolically worshipping their society- promotes a sense of belonging and value consensus

Question 3

Evaluating Durkheim (2)

Answer 3

Totemism is useful for understanding the function of religion in small-scale societies :)
Doesn’t apply to larger societies with religious pluralism :(

Question 4

Malinowski (2)

Answer 4

Religion developed as a response to the psychological needs of the individual. Trobriand islands- religion used during life crisis or when the outcome of important activities is uncertain

Question 5

In times of ‘life crisis’

Answer 5

Religion helps us to cope with big life events, and binds us together in doing so- reinforces social solidarity

Question 6

Outcome is uncertain

Answer 6

Islanders perform religious rituals before ocean fishing

Question 7

Evaluating Malinowski (2)

Answer 7

Applied to real life examples e.g. funeral to cope with death as a life crisis :)
People also use damaging coping strategies when faced with life crisis e.g. drugs, self harming :(

Question 8

Parsons (2)

Answer 8

Adds to Malinowski- religion gives a sense of meaning to people when life crisis occurs and helps to understand the circumstances & maintain faith.
Religion provides us with core values that enhance social solidarity

Question 9

Mechanism of adjustment (Parsons)

Answer 9

Explains how religion provides people with social stability in times of uncertainty

Question 10

Evaluating Parsons

Answer 10

Do people still turn to religion as a source of meaning and explanation for events? :(
Individuals have religious pluralism therefore we do not all share the same core values :(

Question 11

Bellah (2)

Answer 11

Interested how value consensus and social solidarity could continue in America as its multi-faith.
However its united by faith in America (civil religion) and worship of American values e.g. 4th July

Question 12

Functionalism ignores…

Answer 12

…how religion can create conflict particularly when there is increased religious diversity e.g. the Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland

Question 13

Functionalism is useful (3)

Answer 13

Civil religion can be applied to America (Bellah)
The way religion is used by individuals/societies to help society to function
Positive functions of religion