1. Functionalist Theories of Beliefs

• What are 2 criticisms of the functionalist theories?

  -Emphasises the positive aspects of religion by downplaying conflict & inequality

  -Doesn't account for diversity of religious & practices across different societies and the same religion
• What are 2 strengths of the functionalist theories?

  Religion gives emotional support and a sense of purpose

  Religion is an important agent for socialisation & help to fortify roles in society
• What does Bellah say about 'Civil religions'?


  A set of shared beliefs, symbols and rituals that exist alongside traditional religious institutions and serve to unite a nation or society e.g. standing for the flag
• What does Parsons think about psychological equilibrium?


  Religious beliefs maintain psychological equilibrium by giving a framework to interpret the world when rational means can't
• What is an example of psychological relief?

  For ocean fishing, sailors believe their canoe protect them from harm
• How did Malinowski believe religion provides psychological relief?


  -Serves as a psychological support system during times of crisis & helping to cope with anxiety & uncertainty

  -Offers explanations for natural phenomena and events that are beyond human control
• What does Worsley say to criticise Totemism?


  -Religion has the potential for reinvention and this demonstrates a lack of authority for religious rites outside of small tribalistic cultures.

  -Suggests its not as special or protected as Durkheim thinks
• What is a modern example of totemism?

  The lucky iron fish
• How does totemism maintain social order?

  By reinforcing norms and values
• Taboos & restrictions

  Totemism establishes rules and taboos about the treatment of totemic objects. Violating these can lead to spiritual consequences
• Group identity

  Helps individuals to identify with their clan or tribe, fostering a sense of belonging & solidarity
• Totemism

  A sociological and anthological concept of a system of beliefs and practices where a group of people (often organised clans/tribes) place spiritual significance to specific natural objects, animals or symbols known as totems
• What is the profane?

  It encompasses the ordinary, mundane and everyday aspects of life that lack the special significance attributed to the sacred
• What is the sacred?

  Refers to elements or experiences that are considered extraordinary, awe-inspiring and set apart from the everyday world
• Why did Durkheim create the distinction between the sacred and the profane?

  To understand the essence of religious beliefs and practices and why they're distinct from other measures of social order
• What did Aldridge say to criticise the constructionist definition?


  Scientology has been denied legal religion status which contrasts the idea that each individual's experience can be religion as it isn't legally recognised
• What is the constructionist definition of belief?

  It has a wide range of interpretations of religion, not just what one person defines it as. Religion is your own personal experiences
• What did Yinger say to criticise the functional definition?


  He believes that religion should be defined by its belief in God or the supernatural
• What is the functional definition of belief?

  Define religion in terms of the social/psychological functions performs for individuals or society and focuses on integration. It's inclusive (allows us to include a wide range of beliefs & practices). No specificity towards belief in God/Supernatural so no western bias
• What is a criticism of the substantive definition?

  It leaves no room for religions with no God. This has caused this definition to be accused of western bias
• What is the substantive definition of belief?


  Places emphasis on the context/substance of religious belief. It's the most constrictive and draws a line between religious and non-religious beliefs. They conform to a widespread view of religion as belief in God
• What does every member of society have?

  Their own set of ideals