Your Learning Objectives - PowerPoint Presentation

Your Learning Objectives for this topic are as follows. You Should: > Understand different sociological definitions of religion > Understand how different sociological theories explain the role & functions of religion, and how religion contributes to social stability > Be able to evaluate different sociological definitions & theories of religion SCLY3: Beliefs in Society Topic 1 : Theories of Religion

Recap Definitions of Religion Imagine that the 3 definitions of religion shared a hot-air balloon ride but because of the combined weight of the 3 the balloon is crashing. By throwing 2 definitions over-board the balloon would be able to fly free. Which 2 definitions do you think should be disregarded and why? Aim to write about 150/200 words to explain your answer.

Functionalist Theories of Religion Functionalism sees society as a biological organism with independent parts (organs) all playing a vital role in maintaining the social system. 1. What different institutions are there in society? 2 . What functions do they perform ? 3. How do these functions help society (and individuals)?

2. Functionalist Theories of Religion For functionalists, society is a system of interrelated parts or social institutions, such as religion, the family & the economy. Society is like an organism, with basic needs that it must meet in order to survive. These needs are met by different institutions. Each institution performs certain functions – they each contribute to maintaining the social system by meeting a need Society’s most basic need is the need for social order and solidarity so that its members can cooperate. For functionalists, what makes order possible is the existence of value consensus – a shared set of norms or values by which societies members live. Without this, individuals would pursue their own selfish desires and society would disintegrate.

2. Functionalist Theories of Religion Each institution within society performs certain functions. Religion is an institution that has many functions.... Mind map all the possible functions of religion

2. Functionalist Theories of Religion Each institution within society performs certain functions. Religion is an institution that has many functions.... Mind map all the possible functions of religion

2. Functionalist Theories of Religion Durkheim (1915) – The Sacred & the ProfaneAccording to Durkheim religious institutions play a central part in creating and maintaining the value consensus, order and solidarity of a society.Durkheim accepted that religion played a very important role within society .Durkheim was not interested in the belief in gods or spirits or the supernatural but in the distinction between the sacred and the profane Things set apart and forbidden that inspire feelings of awe, fear and wonder and are surrounded by taboos and prohibitionsThings that have no special significance – things that are ordinary and mundane. Sacred Profane A religion is never simply a set of beliefs, it also involves definite rituals or practices in relation to the sacred, and these rituals are collective – performed by the social group

2. Functionalist Theories of Religion PROFANE PROFANE PROFANE SACRED SACRED

Durkheim (1915) – The Sacred & the Profane Durkheim argues that to worship the sacred is to worship society itself because society is the only thing powerful enough to evoke such feelings.Despite sacred items varying from religion to religion they all perform the essential function of uniting believers into a single moral community Functionalist Theories of Religion

Durkheim (1915) – Totemism Durkheim believed that the essence of all religion could be found by studying its simplest form, in the simplest society – clan society. Durkheim studied the Arunta clan in Australia and noted that they all worshiped a totem (spiritual symbol, such as an animal). The totem rituals gave each member of the clan a sense of belonging and awe. Functionalist Theories of Religion Durkheim believes that this feeling of belonging and awe is reflective of the power of the group which each member is utterly dependent on. Therefore they are worshipping their society.

Durkheim (1915) – The Collective Conscience Durkheim believes the sacred symbols represent society’s collective conscience – the shared norms, values, beliefs & knowledge that make social life and cooperation between individuals possible – without these society would disintegrate. Shared religious rituals reinforce the collective conscience & maintain social integration – participating in shared rituals binds people together, reminding them that they are part of a single moral community to which they owe their loyalty. These rituals remind people of the power of society – without which they are nothing and to which they owe everything. Therefore religion also performs an important function for the individual. By making us feel part of something greater than ourselves, religion strengthens us to face life’s trials & motivates us to overcome obstacles that would otherwise defeat us. Functionalist Theories of Religion

Durkheim (1915) – Cognitive Functions of ReligionDurkheim sees religion as not only the reason for social solidarity, but the source of our intellectual & cognitive capacities – our ability to reason & think. E.g. in order to think at all, we need categories such as time, space, cause, substance, number etc. And in order to share our thoughts we need to use the same categories as others. Religion created the concepts & categories we need for reasoning, understanding the world & communicating. Functionalist Theories of Religion It’s religion that’s created these categories, e.g. ideas about a creator bringing the world into being at the beginning of time

The evidence on totemism is unsound. Worsley (1956) claims there is no division between the sacred & the profane, and that different clans share the same totems. Even if Durkheim is right about totemism, this does not prove that he has discovered the essence of all other religions. Durkheim’s theory may apply better to small-scale societies with a single religion as it’s harder to apply to large-scale societies where 2 or more religious communities may be in conflict. His theory may explain social integration within communities, but not between communities. Postmodernists argue that Durkheim’s ideas do not apply to contemporary society – increasing diversity has fragmented the collective conscience – no longer a single shared value system for religion to reinforce. Functionalist Theories of Religion CRITICISMS!

Now… In teams use your “buzzers” (i.e. table) to answer the following questions! 1.What is a value consensus? 2. Why is value consensus important? 3. Name 2 functions of religion 4.Durkheim wasn’t interested in the belief in God etc. So what 2 things was he interested in? 5. Define ‘sacred’ 6. Define ‘profane’ 7. How is Totemism a basic way of explaining religion? 8. Explain Durkheim’s idea of the collective conscience. 9. What are the cognitive functions of religion according to Durkheim? 10. How can Durkheim be criticised?

Malinowski ( 1954) – Psychological Functions of Religion Malinowski agrees with Durkheim that religion promotes solidarity, but in his view it does so by performing psychological functions for individuals, helping them cope with the emotional stress that would undermine social solidarity. Malinowski identifies 2 types of situation in which religion performs this role:Functionalist Theories of Religion 1. Where the outcome is important but is uncontrollable and thus uncertain 2. At times of life crisis

In his study of the Trobriand Islanders of the Western Pacific, Malinowski contrasts fishing in the lagoon & fishing in the ocean: Lagoon fishing is safe & uses the predictable & successful method of poisoning. When the islanders fish in the lagoon, there is no ritual Ocean fishing is dangerous & uncertain, and is always accompanied by ‘canoe magic’ – rituals to ensure a safe & successful expedition. This gives people a sense of control, which eases tension, and reinforces group solidarity. He sees ritual serving as a ‘god of the gaps’ – it fills the gaps in human beings control over the word, such as being unable to control the outcome of a fishing trip. Functionalist Theories of Religion 1. Where the outcome is important but is uncontrollable and thus uncertain

Events such as birth, puberty, marriage & especially death mark major & disruptive changes in social groups. Religion helps to minimise disruption. E.g. the funeral rituals reinforce a feeling of solidarity among the survivors, while the notion of immortality gives comfort to the bereaved by denying the fact of death. Functionalist Theories of Religion2. At times of life crisis In what ways might the birth of a new baby disrupt social relationships?

Parsons (1967) – Values & Meanings Talcott Parsons (1967) sees religion helping individuals to cope with unforeseen events & uncontrollable outcomes. In addition to this, religion:C reates & legitimates society’s central valuesIt is the primary source of meaning Functionalist Theories of Religion Religion creates & legitimates society’s basic norms & values by sacralising them (making them sacred). E.g. in the USA, Protestantism has sacralised the core American values of individualism, meritocracy & self-discipline. This serves to promote value consensus & social solidarity It answers ‘ultimate’ questions about the human condition, such as why the good suffer & why some die young. Such events defy our sense of justice & make life appear meaningless, & this may undermine our commitment to society’s values.

Bellah (1970) – Civil ReligionLike Parsons, Bellah is interested in how religion unifies society, especially a multi-faith society like America. What unifies America is an overarching civil religion – a belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society itself. A civil religion is ‘the American way of life’. Functionalist Theories of ReligionBellah argues that civil religion integrates society in a way that individual religions cannot. While none of the many churches can claim the loyalty of all Americans, civil religions can. American civil religion involves loyalty to the nation-state & a belief in God, both of which are equated with being a true American. It is expressed in various rituals, symbols & beliefs, e.g. pledge of allegiance to the flag, singing the national anthem & phrases such as ‘One nation under God’. It binds together Americans from different ethnic & religious backgrounds.

Functionalist Theories of Religion Functionalism emphasises the social nature of religion & the positive functions it performs, but it neglects negative aspects, such as religion as a source of oppression of the poor or women. It ignores religion as a source of division & conflict, especially in complex modern societies where there is more than one religion, e.g. Northern Ireland. Where there is religious pluaralism (many religions) it is hard to see how it can unite people & promote integration. The idea of civil religion overcomes this problem to some extent, by arguing that societies may still have an overarching belief system shared by all, but is this really religion – especially if it is not based on belief in the supernatural? EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONALISM

Marxism… For Marx if we lived in a communist society there would be no need for religion. Religion dulls the pain of oppression It leads the proletariat into a false state of consciousness.

Religion and Social Control Religion distorts reality – encourages the belief that supernatural beings control events and there is nothing humans can do about it. Religion legitimises the inequality which exists in society. Engels – In the 1800’s British Bourgeoisie spent large sums of money in supporting mainstream Christian organisations.

Religion as Compensation Religion compensates for the misery of those who have been exploited. Christianity, Judaism and Islam are examples of religions which offer the escape of heavenly rewards. Hinduism and Buddhism teaches its followers life may be better in later reincarnations.

Religion as Compensation Religion promises happiness although the happiness it promises is just an illusion. True happiness can only be obtained by the exploited shaking off the oppression and practicing their freedom.