functionalist theories of religion

• What do functionalist theories of religion suggest about society?

  Society is a system of interrelated parts
• Who is a key figure associated with functionalist theories of religion?

  Durkheim
• What does Durkheim argue about the role of religion in society?

  It creates and maintains value consensus
• What are the two categories Durkheim uses to describe religious elements?

  Sacred and profane
• How does Durkheim define sacred things?

  Things set apart and forbidden, inspiring awe
• What are profane things according to Durkheim?

  Ordinary things with no special significance
• What does Durkheim say about religion beyond beliefs?

  It involves rituals and collective practices
• What do sacred symbols represent according to Durkheim?

  They represent something of great power
• What essential function do sacred symbols perform across religions?

  They unite believers into a moral community
• What does Durkheim suggest is the simplest form of religion?

  Totemism
• What does the collective conscience represent in Durkheim's theory?

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

  They reinforce it and maintain social integration
• What important function does religion perform for individuals according to Durkheim?

  It makes individuals feel part of something greater
• Who critiques Durkheim's evidence on totemism?

  Worsley
• What is Worsley's argument against Durkheim's division of sacred and profane?

  There is no sharp division between them
• In what type of societies does Durkheim's theory apply better?

  Small scale societies with a single religion
• What do postmodernists like Mestrovic argue about Durkheim's ideas?

  They can't apply to contemporary diverse societies
• What psychological functions does Malinowski attribute to religion?

  It helps individuals cope with emotional stress
• What two situations does Malinowski identify where religion helps individuals?

  Uncontrollable outcomes and life crises
• How does religion help during ocean fishing according to Malinowski?

  Rituals ensure safe and successful expeditions
• What role does religion play during life crises according to Malinowski?

  It minimizes disruption during major changes
• What does Parsons identify as essential functions of religion in modern society?

  Legitimizes values and provides meaning
• How does religion sacralize society's basic norms and values?

  By creating and legitimizing them
• What does Bellah argue about civil religion in America?

  It unifies society in a multi-faith context
• How does civil religion integrate society according to Bellah?

  By attaching sacred qualities to society itself
• What are functional alternatives to religion?

  Non-religious beliefs that perform similar functions
• What negative aspects of religion does the evaluation of functionalism highlight?

  It can oppress the poor or women
• What does the idea of civil religion attempt to address?

  It suggests a shared belief system in society