functionalism

• What is society's most basic need according to functionalists?

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

  They create and maintain value consensus
• What would happen without value consensus in society?

  Individuals would pursue selfish desires
• What are the two categories Durkheim divides objects and experiences into?

  Sacred and profane
• What characterizes sacred things according to Durkheim?

  They are set apart and evoke awe
• What does Durkheim suggest about the feelings evoked by sacred things?

  They imply representation of society's power
• How does worshipping sacred symbols affect individuals according to Durkheim?

  It unites them into a single community
• What did Durkheim study to understand the essence of religion?

  The Arunta Aboriginal Australian tribe
• What does a totem symbolize for the Arunta clans?

  The origins and identity of the clan
• Why is the totem considered a sacred object for the Arunta?

  It inspires feelings of awe and represents society
• What does collective conscience refer to?

  Shared norms, values, beliefs, and knowledge
• How do sacred symbols relate to collective conscience?

  They represent society's collective conscience
• What role do rituals play in society according to Durkheim?

  They reinforce social integration and bind people
• What cognitive functions does religion provide according to the study material?

  It helps us reason and think conceptually
• What are shared categories in religion according to the study material?

  They allow us to think conceptually
• What is Worsley's critique of Durkheim's distinction between sacred and profane?

  There is no sharp distinction between them
• What did Worsley believe Durkheim focused too much on?

  The functions totems performed
• What is a limitation of Durkheim's theory in large-scale societies?

  It doesn't explain conflict between communities
• What do postmodernists argue about Durkheim's application to contemporary society?

  It cannot apply due to increasing diversity
• What do postmodernists believe about the collective conscience?

  It has fractured and lacks a shared value system