parsons, values and meaning

• Parsons, value and meaning: 

  ›Like Malinowski, Parsons argues that religion helps people cope with uncertainty  

  ›He also argues that it: 

  ›Creates and legitimates society’s values: religion sacralises society’s values thus promoting solidarity through religious teaching 

  ›Provides a source of meaning: e.g. answering unanswerable questions helps people to adjust to events/circumstances that might undermine our commitment to society’s values and helps maintain stability