Functionalism

• Durkheim


  The study of Totem Poles. Religion creates shared values, reinforcing social solidarity.
• Malinowski


  Studies how religion deals with unexpected life crises. Research on Trobriand Islands
• Parsons


  Religion provides guidelines for human action in terms of core values. Helps to integrate people into a value consensus
• Bellah


  Sacred symbols in the US create solidarity in a society of diverse cultures. e.g. American flag, Statue of Liberty
• Glock and Stark


  Religion threatens social integration as readily as it contributes to it