Topic 1 Beliefs: Theoretical Perspective of Religion

Question 1

What are the three main ways in which Sociologists define religion

Answer 1

Substantive
Functional
Social Construction

Question 2

Define the Substantive definition of religion

Answer 2

Focuses on the belief in a God or the supernatural

Question 3

Define the Functional definition of religion

Answer 3

It must perform social or psychological functions for individuals or society

Question 4

Define the Social Construction definition of religion

Answer 4

Everyone has their own definition of religion can’t create one sole definition

Question 5

Which sociologists argues that religion performs the function of socialisation

Answer 5

Durkheim

Question 6

How does Durkheim state that religion performs the function of socialisation

Answer 6

Through collective worship it allows members to gain a value consensus and a sense of belonging within a group

Question 7

If Durkheim is right that Religion performs the function of socialisation, what does it prevent amongst its members?

Answer 7

Anomie

Question 8

Where did Durkheim find his evidence to make his claims on the functions of religion

Answer 8

Within the Arunta an Australian Aboriginal Tribe

Question 9

How does Malinowski state that religion performs solidarity

Answer 9

By performing psychological functions for its members

Question 10

According to Malinowski what psychological function does religion perform

Answer 10

To cope with emotional stress

Question 11

Where did Malinowski find his evidence for psychological functions of religion

Answer 11

Amongst the Trobriand Islanders of the Western Pacific

Question 12

Is Lagoon Fishing safe or dangerous?

Answer 12

Safe

Question 13

Is Ocean Fishing safe or dangerous

Answer 13

Dangerous

Question 14

What would Trobriand Islanders do when Ocean Fishing?

Answer 14

Perform rituals to ensure safety

Question 15

According to Malinowski how does Religion help at times of life crisis

Answer 15

Prevents disruption

Question 16

What are 2 essential functions Parsons states religion performs for society

Answer 16

Creates and legitimates society’s central values
Primary source of Meaning

Question 17

How does religion creates and legitimates society’s central values, according to Parsons

Answer 17

By making them sacred

Question 18

How does Religion provide a source of meaning, according to Parsons

Answer 18

By answering the Ultimate Questions about the human condition

Question 19

Which sociologist talks about Civil Religion

Answer 19

Bellah

Question 20

Define Civil Religion

Answer 20

A belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society itself

Question 21

Give 2 examples that demonstrate civil religion in America

Answer 21

The pledge of allegiance
Singing the national anthem

Question 22

How does Glock and Stark critic Durkheim and Parsons view on Religion

Answer 22

Gives little consideration of the hostility between different religious groups within the same society e.g Hindus and Muslims in India

Question 23

Which Marxist states that Religion acts an opium of the people

Answer 23

Marx

Question 24

How does Marx use this opium to explain the role of religion

Answer 24

As members use it a high to forget their issues in society

Question 25

According to Marx, which social group would use Religion as an opium the most and why

Answer 25

Working Class as they have more issues to drown

Question 26

Which Marxist states describes religion as a spiritual gin

Answer 26

Lenin

Question 27

What is a spiritual gin according to Lenin

Answer 27

An intoxicant doled out to the masses to confuse them and keep them in their place

Question 28

What does a spiritual gin create according to Lenin

Answer 28

A mystical fog that obscures reality preventing the people to overthrow the ruling class

Question 29

How does Religion legitimate power and priveligie of the ruling class according to Marxists

Answer 29

By making their position appear to be divinely ordained

Question 30

State one example where the Ruling Class' position was divinely ordained

Answer 30

The Divine Right of Kings made people believe that the Monarch was chosen by God

Question 31

What quote from the New Testament by Jesus may be used to make the working class have a false class consciousness

Answer 31

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the gates of heaven"

Question 32

What is one contemporary example that justifies the class inequality that religion brings

Answer 32

The Hindu Caste System

Question 33

One criticism of the Marxist perspective of religion

Answer 33

Marx ignores the positive functions of religion e.g psychological adjustment to misfortune

Question 34

What do Radical Feminists view religion as?

Answer 34

A conservative force

Question 35

Define a conservative force

Answer 35

a factor that tends to maintain the status quo or traditional values

Question 36

List 2 ways that religion can be considered to be patriarchal

Answer 36

Sacred texts putting men above women Religious Professionals being mostly men

Question 37

Give one example in a sacred text where it may appear that men are put above women

Answer 37

The Bible, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord."

Question 38

Name one contemporary example that demonstrate religion being a patriarchal tool

Answer 38

Boko Haram

Question 39

What is Boko Haram

Answer 39

An African Terrorist group who believe women shouldn't be in education and should follow a housewife role and they use Islam to justify it

Question 40

Which 2 feminist sociologists would state that Religion is a patriarchal insituiton

Answer 40

Armstrong El Saadawi

Question 41

What does Armstrong state

Answer 41

Rise of monotheistic religions saw the establishment of an all powerful male God and Male prophets

Question 42

What does El Saadawi state

Answer 42

Religion itself isn't patriarchal but it is interpreted in patriarchal societies as patriarchal

Question 43

Which 2 Feminist sociologists argue that Religion is not a patriarchal institution

Answer 43

Woodhead Wright

Question 44

What does Woodhead state

Answer 44

Women use religion to gain greater freedom and respect e.g the Hijab can be used as a symbol of liberation from the home

Question 45

What does Wright state

Answer 45

For several religions lots of gender equality has been achieved

Question 46

List one example that supports Wright's point

Answer 46

Reform Judaism allowed women to become rabbis since 1972