Sociology: Beliefs in Society

• What is the definition of religion according to the study material?

  A set of ideas and beliefs about the world
• What does Weber define religion as?

  A belief in a superior or supernatural power
• How does Durkheim define religion?

  By its contribution to social integration
• What psychological function does Yinger attribute to religion?

  It answers ultimate questions about life and death
• What do social constructionists believe about religion?

  It cannot produce a single, universal definition
• What example does Aldridge provide regarding religion?

  Scientology is considered a religion by its followers
• What is the exclusive definition of religion?

  A clear line between religious and non-religious
• What is a limitation of the exclusive definition of religion?

  It has a Western bias and excludes others
• What does the inclusive definition of religion imply?

  It doesn't require a belief in God
• Why might an institution not be considered a religion?

  It may help integrate individuals without being religious
• How do definitions of religion affect its measurement?

  Different definitions influence measurement methods
• What do functionalists believe about religion?

  It is necessary for social order and solidarity
• What does Durkheim say about the role of religion in society?

  It promotes social cohesion and maintains order
• What are the sacred things according to Durkheim?

  Things set apart and forbidden
• How do sacred symbols function in society?

  They evoke powerful feelings and represent society
• What is totemism according to Durkheim?

  A belief system in clan societies
• What does the Arunta Society illustrate about totemism?

  It shows worship of a sacred totem symbolizing the clan
• What does Worsley argue about the sacred and profane?

  There is no sharp division between them
• What is the collective conscience?

  The shared norms and values of society
• How do regular religious rituals affect the collective conscience?

  They reinforce shared norms and social integration
• What does Mestrovic argue about Durkheim's ideas?

  They can't apply to contemporary diverse societies
• What does Durkheim identify as the four functions of religion?

  Discipline, Cohesion, Vitalizing, Euphoric
• How does civil religion function according to Bellah?

  It integrates society in ways individual religions cannot
• What is American civil religion characterized by?

  Loyalty to the nation and belief in God
• How does civil religion create social solidarity?

  By promoting a common national identity
• What cognitive functions does religion provide?

  It offers basic categories for communication and reasoning
• How does Malinowski describe the psychological functions of religion?

  It helps during life crises and uncertain outcomes
• What does Parsons argue about religion's role in society?

  It helps individuals cope with unforeseen events
• How does religion sacralize society's values?

  By legitimizing and promoting consensus values
• What primary source of meaning does religion provide?

  It answers ultimate questions about the human condition
• What does the AO3 critique about science and religion?

  Science provides answers leading to loss of faith
• What are functional alternatives in religion?

  Non-religious beliefs performing similar functions
• How do Marxists view religion?

  As a conservative force legitimizing class inequality
• What does Marx say about religion's role in class society?

  It legitimizes the suffering of the poor
• How does Lenin describe religion?

  As 'spiritual gin' to confuse the masses
• What does Marx believe about alienation and religion?

  Religion arises from suffering and acts as consolation
• What does the AO3 critique about Marx's view on religion?

  It ignores positive functions of religion
• What dual role does Gramsci attribute to religion?

  It promotes ruling class ideology and counter-hegemony
• How does Althusser view religion's role in society?

  As an ideological state apparatus for the ruling class
• What do feminists argue about religion's role in society?

  It reflects and perpetuates patriarchal inequality