Functionalism

• What do functionalists believe is needed for society to function?

  Social order and social solidarity
• What is a value consensus according to functionalists?

  A set of shared norms and values
• How does religion contribute to social order according to functionalists?

  By creating and maintaining value consensus
• Who believed that religion creates a collective conscience?

  Durkheim
• What is the collective conscience?

  Shared norms, values, beliefs, and knowledge
• How do shared religious rituals reinforce the collective conscience?

  They maintain integration and social order
• What does the ritual of worshipping sacred objects do for individuals?

  Unites them in a moral community
• What did the Australian Arunta tribe worship?

  A totem pole
• What does Worsley argue about the sacred and profane?

  There is no sharp division between them
• How does worshipping sacred objects create social solidarity?

  By understanding community norms and values
• What event exemplified social solidarity in 2010?

  The Pope's visit to the UK
• What function does religion serve for individuals according to functionalists?

  It makes them feel part of something greater
• What limitation does Durkheim's collective conscience have in explaining religion?

  It fails to explain conflict in diverse communities
• What psychological function does Malinowski attribute to religion?

  Helps cope with emotional stress
• What did Malinowski find about the Trobriand Islanders' use of 'canoe magic'?

  It provided support before dangerous fishing trips
• When did the Trobriand Islanders not perform rituals?

  When completing safe lagoon fishing
• How do religious rituals help during life crises?

  They minimize social disruption
• How do traditional Hindu weddings support social integration?

  They facilitate the bride's transition to a new family
• What do many religions do after natural disasters?

  Send support teams and missionaries
• What does Parsons believe is the main function of religion?

  To legitimate society's values
• How does religion sacralise norms and values?

  By making them sacred
• What core values has Protestantism sacralised in America?

  Meritocracy and individualism
• How does religion regulate society?

  By providing a code of laws
• What does the Christian commandment 'thou shall not commit adultery' ensure?

  Families stay together
• How does religion provide meaning to life?

  By answering key questions about existence
• How does religion explain suffering according to functionalists?

  As a test of faith rewarded in the afterlife
• What does Bellah believe is the main function of civil religion?

  To integrate society
• How is civil religion expressed in America?

  Through national anthem and Independence Day
• What does the 'American God' represent in civil religion?

  An overarching belief uniting diverse backgrounds
• How was civil religion evident after Osama Bin Laden's death?

  Chanting 'USA, USA' at events
• What does Bellah identify civil religion as?

  A functional alternative to traditional religion
• What did both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union have in common regarding religion?

  Secular political beliefs that united the country
• What does Casanova argue against the functionalist view of religion?

  Religion causes political conflicts
• What do postmodernists argue about functionalist ideas?

  They ignore the impact of globalization
• How has religious diversity affected individual spirituality?

  It allows personalized spirituality creation
• What do postmodernists criticize about functionalist claims?

  They provide a complete meta-narrative
• What do Marxists argue about functionalist views of religion?

  They emphasize positive functions too much
• How do Marxists view the role of religion in society?

  As a source of oppression for the poor
• What do feminists argue about functionalist views of religion?

  They ignore oppression of women
• What do Marxists and Functionalists agree on regarding religion?

  It stabilizes society and maintains status quo