beliefs in society - functionalists

Durkheim and the totem pole

Durkheim uses the totem pole to explain the function of religion in even more detail. Durkheim also believes that religion forms the function of a concept called 'Collective Conscience.' This means the shared norms, values and customs that religion promotes make social life and co operation possible. Shared rituals bind communities together and strengthen us to face life's problems as a collective community.

definition of profound

The profound are things of no special significance. Things that are ordinary and mundane

definition of sacred

The sacred are those things set apart from ordinary objects in society. They are surrounded by feelings of awe and wonder

Malinowski argument of religion key idea

*Anthropologist Malinowski agrees with Durkheim that religion performs important functions for society. However, he focuses on the psychological functions

criticisms of Durkheim argument of religion

*Critics would argue that religion does not necessarily have to be social. For example, ascetic traditions that prioritize isolation and solitude would not fit Durkheim's theory. *The second critique hones in on Durkheim's distinction between the sacred and the profane. For Durkheim all of life is divided between the sacred and the profane and society maintains the boundaries between the two. But in many ways the sacred and the profane are not so easily bounded.

******* Malinowski actual argument

*Malinowski applied this to Trobriand Islanders on the Western Pacific. He contrasted the actions performed by these groups before two types of fishing.... *Lagoon Fishing- Safe and uses predictable method of poisoning. No ritual needed. *Ocean Fishing- Dangerous and uncertain. Canoe Magic performed - rituals to ensure safety. This gives people a sense of control and confidence to undertake hazardous tasks. 'God of the Gaps' - fills the gaps in human control.

criticisms of Durkheim argument of religion

*The first critique takes up Durkheim's understanding of religion as a necessarily social phenomenon. Religion originates in society where the "collective effervescence"of ritual gives religious practices and beliefs extra-human power.

What is a religion?

A religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden - beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community called a Church, all those who adhere to them."

bellah and religion

Bellah is interested in how religion unifies society, especially a multi faith society like America. He came up with the concept of a 'civil religion' - a belief system that attaches a sacred qualities to society itself. In the case of America this is a civil religion based on a faith in the 'American Way of Life.' Bellah claims that civil religion unites society in a way other religions cant due to the fact it is inclusive of everyone. These beliefs are symbolized by worship of civil things such as the flag, the national anthem and phrases like 'One nation under God.'

Durkheim's view on sacred

Durkheim also believed that the reason sacred items provoke such feelings in society is because they represent something of great power. This thing is society. Therefore, for Durkheim, when one worships these sacred items they are not worshiping a god they are worshiping society itself!

Durkheim and cognitive functions

Durkheim also considers the 'cognitive functions' of religion. This means religion is the basis of all of our conceptual knowledge. That means space, time, cause, consequence etc. All of these concepts are man made!

Durkheim opinion on religion

For Functionalists, religion plays a central part in creating and maintaining value consensus, order and solidarity. in society. The first Functionalist to develop this idea was Emile Durkheim. Durkheim did NOT believe a key feature of religion was a belief in a god or the supernatural, it was instead a belief in the sacred and the profound.

functionalists view on religion

For functionalists, society is a system of interrelated parts or social institutions. Each institution performs a different function and all functions work together in harmony to keep society ticking away

Parsons:- Value and Meaning

Like Malinowski Parsons (1967) sees religion as helping individuals to cope with unforeseen events and uncontrollable outcomes. Religion makes important norms and values sacred. In America, Protestantism has 'sacrilised' meritocracy and individualism. Religion also offers meaning. It answers ultimate questions like 'why do good people suffer?' Without religion these situations could make society crumble. We will be rewarded in heaven