Functionalism

• Definition of religion-

  Looks at the functions being performed, if something provides a moral framework or integrates a community it can be considered religious. (Doesn't have to refer to a God)
• Definition of religion Evaluation-

  Positive- more encompassing of other religions rather than just world religions

  Negative- other institutions, such as schools, could be considered religious
• How does religion meet societies basic needs?

  -Religion reaches social order as religion is considered a 'organ'

  -Durkheim (1912)- institutions play a central part in creating and maintaining value consensus, order and solidarity.
• The sacred and the profane (Durkheim)-

  -Sacred- thing set apart that inspire feelings of awe, fear and wonder

  -Profane- things of no special significance, ordinary or mundane

  -For example, 'Shroud of Torin' - may not be instinctly special but rather has a special meaning attached to it.
• Totenism-

  -Durkheim studies the Arunta clan in Australia and noted that they all worshiped a totem

  -The totem rituals gave each member of the clan a sense of belonging and awe

  -The totem is used to symbolise what the Arunta considered sacred
• The collective conscience (Durkheim)-

  Sacred items used in religion represent the societies shared norms, values, beliefs and knowledge that make social life and integration possible. Without these society would disintegrate. Emphasises the importance of collective worship.
• Cognitive functions of religion-

  -Religion provides the concepts and categories we need for understanding the world and communicating with others.

  -Religion provides basic categories such as, time, space and causation.

  -Durkheim- religion is the origin of human thought, reason and science,
• Malinowski-

  -Agrees that religion reinforced norms and values and promotes solidarity

  -Argues it provides explanations for events that are hard to explain and provide emotional security

  -These events could otherwise potentially threaten social stability and solidarity.
• Parsons-

  -Provides and underpins the core values of any culture, and the norms (moral guidelines) which regulate human behviour.

  -Gives meanings and explanations for life crisis, provides an 'emotional mechanism of adjustment' - helps individuals adjust to unpredictable changes.
• Bellah (1970s)-

  -interested in how religion unites society

  -particularly interested in the US due to it's multifaith culture

  -American society is an overachieving civil religion given that it's based on a belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society itself e.g. 'American way of Life'

  -Argues civil religion (expressed by pledges, national anthem etc.) is better at integrating society than individual religions.
• Evaluations of Bellah-

  -CRs can be applied to other societies e.g. Nazi Germany and communist Russia

  -Is this religion or nationalism?- concepts of CR question the substantiative definition of religion

  -Do CRs see all men as equal under the eyes of the law?- e.g. flaws in American society -> Jim Crow Laws and economic exclusion of minorities