Perspectives Flashcards
What do feminists generally propose about religion? What evidence do they provide for such arguments?
They believe that religion is male dominated, they use evidence of organisational structures, laws and customs and separate worship as examples of a gender divide.
Who are the two key sociologists from the feminist perspective on beliefs?
Woodhead and Armstrong
What does Woodhead propose? What perspective are they from?
Woodhead is a feminist that argues that religion influences cultural norms which may lead to unequal treatment. FGM for example. However, they also argue that religion can be a source of empowerment, some women find the Hijab empowering.
What does Armstrong propose? What perspective are they from?
Armstrong is a feminist that argues that religion only became patriarchal as mono-theistic religions began to thrive. Pagan religions often worship female gods while fertility cults used to be popular.
Who are the four main sociologists for the Functionalist perspective on beliefs?
Durkheim, Malinowski, Parsons, Bellah
What does Durkheim propose? What perspective are they from?
Durkheim is a functionalist that believes that religion creates social solidarity as everyone follows the same belief system. In the same regard, religion allows people to discuss concepts such as time and space by create standardised categories used to define them
What are the two key criticisms of Durkheim’s theory?
It’s difficult to apply his ideas to a society containing multiple religions and it doesn’t consider religious conflict.
What does Malinowski propose? What perspective are they from?
Malinowski is a functionalist who agrees with Durkheim with that religion encourages social solidarity, but believes religions has psychological functions that helps handle life stresses that would otherwise undermine social solidarity.
What does Parsons propose? What perspective are they from?
Parsons is a functionalist who agrees with Malinowski in that it helps individuals cope. He builds on this by saying is sacralises societies core values and offers a primary source of meaning about ‘ultimate’ questions.
What does Bellah propose? What perspective are they from?
Bellah is a functionalist who proposes that civil religion is central to society, he argues that such religions attach to everyone rather than a traditional religion because it’s the core societal values that everyone adheres to. This is reinforced through the culture. National anthems etc.
What do Marxist sociologists generally argue about religion and it’s functioning?
Marxists argue that religion allows capitalism as the ideology it transmits is that they’ll (the WC) will suffer now and be favoured in the afterlife. While it acts as the “opium for the people” regarding optimistically viewing their typically shite lives.
What are the two main criticisms of Marxism on religion?
It ignores the positive functions of religion and doesn’t explain why the upper-classes follow religion
