Functionalist Theory

Question 1

Functionalism - Intro

Answer 1

• Beliefs are necessary + positive
• Functions maintain order + stability
- gives shared norms + values
- provides social cohesion + value consensus
- Reduces conflict

Question 2

Functionalism - Durkheim - Sociolisation + Totem

Answer 2

• Totem = symbol representing collective identity of group
• Religion is foundation of soc - worship Totem = worship soc
• Totem represents collective consciousness (shared norms)
• Is a source of authority - serves as control

Question 3

Functionalism - Durheim - Social Integration - Sacred + Profane

Answer 3

• Sacred = things considered special + holy - rituals/symbols
• Promotes value consensus + social order
• Profane = Normal everyday things (school/work)
• Help understand norms + values

Question 4

Functionalism - Prevents Anomie - Psychological Function - Parsons + Malinowski

Answer 4

Psych function = belief as a source of comfort
Anomie = breakdown of norms + values
• Parsons –> universe is unforgiving + indifferent - suffering = commitment
- belief gives unexplainable events meaning
• Malinowski –> rites of passage
- ceremonies help people deal with sig events + ensures social stability

Question 5

Functionalism - Evaluation

Answer 5

• Out of date - Secularisation –> religion is less influential + lost function
• Poor research methodology –> most is based on secondary data
• Fails to see religion is dysfunctional –> Can cause conflict + division
• Ignores role of power controlling religion –> collective conscious is patriarchal + Ideological

Question 6

Functionalism - Bellah + Civil Religion

Answer 6

• Responds to evaluation
• Religion hasn’t died out its become civil
• Many soc are multi-faith
• People United in worship

Question 7

Functionalism - Evaluating Civil Religion- Bellah

Answer 7

• Civil Religion is Declining- see personal gratification as more important
• Cynthiscism about established soc institutions
- American dream doesn’t have same uniting power