Functionalist Perspective: conservative force Flashcards Preview

Sociology Religion > Functionalist Perspective: conservative force > Flashcards

Flashcards in Functionalist Perspective: conservative force Deck (10)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Social solidarity

A

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

2
Q

A conservative force

A

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

3
Q

What did Durkheim study?

A

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

4
Q

Malinowski views

A

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.

5
Q

Parsons

A

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

6
Q

Criticisms

A

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

7
Q

Overview

A

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

8
Q

Key people

A

Durkheim
Maliowski
Parsons

9
Q

Durkheim: 4 main strands

A
  1. Sacred and profane
  2. Totemism
  3. Cognitive functions of religion
  4. Collective conscience
10
Q

Malinowski

A

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.