Functionalism : functions of religion

Question 1

Totemism : Durkheim

Answer 1

argues that totemism - worshipping of sacred object (totem)
is a worship of wider society - religious beliefs like totemism act as social glue
binding people together
Durkheim calls this collective conscience

Question 2

A03: totemism

Answer 2

radical feminists argue traditional religion reinforce patriarchal values

Question 3

Religion unites people - Durkheim

Answer 3

durkheim - religion distinct between sacred and profane
sacred are set apart: inspired feelings
profane : things with no special - bible church
significance - alcohol use , gambling
A03: Durkheim lacks contemporary relevance

Question 4

Religion answers ultimate questions - Parsons

Answer 4

primary source of meaning - answers ultimate questions
ABOUT HUMAN CONFITION
why good die young
may undermine our commitment to society’s values

Question 5

Religion provides comfort - Malinowski

Answer 5

provides help where the outcome is imprtant but uncontrollable and thus uncertain
when studying trobriand islanders - when no fish in lagoon
“canoe magic “ ritual , gives sense of control in uncontrollable situations

Question 6

A03: malinowski with religion WEBER

Answer 6

rationalisation - people look towards scientific explanations in place of religious ones for answers .

Question 7

Functionalism - Civil religion - Bellah

Answer 7

religion unifies society - interesting in a multi faith societies like america

America is an overarching Civil Religion - belief attaching sacred qualities to society itself
“ the american way of life “

america requires loyalty to nation state and belief in god- pledges of allegiance

Question 8

Bellah civil religion + A03

Answer 8

bonds americans from different ethnic backgrounds + religious
A03: BRUCE - rise of new christian right - believe americans turn from god m
NCr propose pro life movement .