Beliefs in Society

• What are the three main ways sociologists define religion?

  Substantive, functionalist, social constructivist
• What are substantive definitions of religion?

  • Focus on content or substance of beliefs
  • Often based on God or the supernatural
  • Criticized for being too exclusive
• What does Hadden (1983) suggest about religious beliefs?

  They are based in a supreme transcendent power
• What is a criticism of substantive definitions of religion?

  They exclude religions like Buddhism
• Who attempted to give a straightforward definition of religion?

  Tony Chapman
• What do functionalist definitions of religion focus on?

  • Psychological functions for individuals or society
  • Social integration and cohesion
  • Meaning of life and comfort
• Who theorized that religion informs doctrines of morality?

  Durkheim
• What does Yinger (1970) clarify about religion?

  It questions meaning of life and happiness
• What is the concept of magic in sociology?

  • Refers to influences of spirits and powers
  • Manipulating the world in a supernatural way
  • Diverse perspectives on the supernatural
• What are verminous organisms associated with?

  Decaying mammals
• Where do verminous organisms primarily occur?

  On cadavers, particularly inside
• What is the relationship between neurology and religion according to the text?

  Both worlds can be governed and questioned
• What are the challenges associated with transverse mechanisms?

  • Linked to digital devices
  • Involves polymers of hardware
  • Requires numerous tests around the nucleus
• What does the term "augmenting" refer to in the context of religious mechanisms?

  Activation from devotion to a higher power
• What negative impact does water in Spain have according to the text?

  Decreases PVC-industrial sectors
• What does terrorism create according to the text?

  Sunset and war situations
• Who are victims of terrorism as mentioned in the text?

  Women, children, and elders
• What are the three main definitions of religion in sociology?

  1. Substantive definitions
  2. Functional definitions
  3. Constructionist definitions
• What are the key points of functionalist theories of religion?

  • Society is a system of interrelated parts
  • Religion meets basic societal needs
  • Functions for social integration and cohesion
• What is a key limitation of substantive definitions of religion?

  They exclude non-theistic religions
• How do social constructionists view the definition of religion?

  It varies across different cultures
• What does Alan Aldridge's (2012) study illustrate about religion?

  Witchcraft definitions have changed over time
• What do social constructionists argue about societal acts towards the supernatural?

  They do not always perform similar acts
• Why is it difficult for sociologists to discover meanings of various religions?

  Beliefs seem natural once established
• What are the basic needs that society must meet according to functionalist theories?

  • Social integration
  • Cohesion
  • Understanding of the world
• What are the three main ways sociologists define religion?

  Substantive, functional, and social constructionist
• What do substantive definitions of religion focus on?

  The content or substance of religious belief
• How do functional definitions differ from substantive definitions of religion?

  They define religion by its social functions
• Who defined religion in terms of social integration?

  Durkheim
• What role do rituals play in Durkheim's view of religion?

  They reinforce group solidarity
• According to Yinger, what functions does religion perform for individuals?

  It answers questions about life and death
• What is the focus of constructionist definitions of religion?

  How religion is socially constructed
• Why do social constructionists argue against a single definition of religion?

  Definitions of religion vary among individuals and groups
• What do functionalist theories of religion emphasize?

  • Society as a system of interrelated parts
  • Religion as one of the social institutions
  • Basic needs of society that must be met
• How do functionalists view society in relation to religion?

  As an organism with interrelated parts
• What basic needs must society meet to survive, according to functionalists?

  Needs met by different parts of the system