Functionalist view on beliefs

• What does Malinowski argue about the role of religion in society?

  Religion promotes solidarity by performing psychological functions for individuals.
• How does religion help individuals cope with emotional stress according to Malinowski?

  It helps individuals cope with emotional stress that would undermine social solidarity.
• What are the two types of situations in which religion performs psychological functions according to Malinowski?

  1. When the outcome is important but uncontrollable and uncertain.
  2. At times of life crisis, such as birth, puberty, marriages, and death.
• In Malinowski's study of the Trobriand Islanders, what type of fishing is associated with rituals?

  Ocean fishing, which is dangerous and uncertain, is accompanied by canoe magic rituals.
• What is the significance of canoe magic in ocean fishing for the Trobriand Islanders?

  Canoe magic gives people a sense of control, eases tension, and reinforces group solidarity.
• How do funeral rituals serve a purpose according to Malinowski?

  Funeral rituals reinforce solidarity among survivors and provide comfort by denying the fact of death.
• What does Malinowski believe is the main cause for religion?

  Death is the main cause for religion.
• What are the two essential functions of religion identified by Parsons?

  Religion creates and legitimates society's central values and serves as a primary source of meaning.
• How does religion sacralize societal values according to Parsons?

  Religion legitimates society's basic norms and values, such as individualism and meritocracy in the USA.
• What ultimate questions does religion answer according to Parsons?

  Religion answers questions about suffering and the meaning of life.
• How does religion help maintain stability in society according to Parsons?

  By explaining suffering as a test of faith that will be rewarded in heaven.
• What concept does Bellah focus on in relation to religion in society?

  Bellah focuses on civil religion and how it unifies society.
• What is civil religion according to Bellah?

  Civil religion is a belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society itself.
• How does American civil religion manifest itself according to Bellah?

  It is expressed through rituals, symbols, and beliefs such as the pledge of allegiance.
• What does Bellah mean by an "American god" in the context of civil religion?

  An "American god" binds different ethnic and religious backgrounds without being specific to any one faith.
• What are functional alternatives to religion according to the text?

  • Non-religious beliefs and practices that perform similar functions to organized religion.
  • Examples include secular political beliefs that unite society.
• What is a criticism of the idea that functional alternatives can replace religion?

  It ignores the distinctive and different aspects of religion.
• What do functionalist theories of religion suggest about society?

  Society is a system of interrelated parts or social institutions.
• What is the primary function of social institutions according to functionalist theories?

  To maintain the social system by meeting a need.
• What is the most basic need of society as per functionalist theories?

  The need for social order and solidarity.
• How do religious institutions contribute to society?

  They create and maintain value consensus, order, and solidarity.
• What is a key feature of religion according to Durkheim?


  The fundamental distinction between the sacred and the profane.
• What does the term 'sacred' refer to in Durkheim's theory?

  Things set apart and forbidden that inspire feelings of awe, fear, and wonder.
• Why do sacred things evoke powerful feelings in believers?


  Because they are symbols representing something of great power.
• What essential function do sacred symbols perform according to Durkheim?

  They unite believers into a single moral community.
• What does 'profane' refer to in Durkheim's theory?

  Things that are ordinary and mundane with no special significance.
• How does religion involve rituals according to Durkheim?

  Rituals are collective practices performed by social groups in relation to the sacred.
• How do sacred symbols vary across different religions?

  Although they vary, all sacred symbols perform the essential function of uniting believers into a single moral community.
• What tribe did Durkheim study to illustrate his theories on religion?

  The Arunta, an Aboriginal Australian tribe.