sociology beliefs

• malinowksi suggests religion improves solidarity, shared values, and agrees with Durkheim that religion strengthens social stability by performing psychological functions for individuals by relieving emotional stress that could threaten social stability
• maliowksi believes religion provides two functions:

  • at time of life crisis
  • uncertain outcomes
• malinowksi believes death is the hardest thing someone can go through (at times of life crisis) so they turn to religion to feel comforted.

  funerals are the religious rituals for death. he believes funerals are beneficial because it is a socially acceptable place to grieve, especially for men who are stereotypes to be tough. they allow mourners to be comforted, which reinforces social solidarity
• another argument made by malinowksi is religion is useful in uncertain outcomes. an example of this is in his study of the trobiand island, where he compares lagoon fishing with ocean fishing. he found that lagoon fishing is close and safe; so no magic needs to be used, whereas ocean fishing is dangerous and uncertain, so they use the ritual of canoe magic, which ensures safety and success. the magic reinforces solidarity and gives them confidence to undertake hazardous tasks
• similar to malinowksi, parsons also believes religion helps individuals to cope with uncertain events,
• parsons functions of religion:

  • creates and legitimizes societys central values
  • primary source of meaning
• religion creates and legitimises societys central values by sacrilising them, this serves to promote value consensus and social stability
• parsons:

  it offers a primary source of meaning. it answers the most important questions in life, like why do people suffer. religion explains everything happens for a reason, and the sufferers are rewarded with heaven after. by answering these questions, religion enables people to adjust to circumstances and helps maintain stability