parsons

• Functionalism


  Perspective that views society as a system with interdependent parts that work together to maintain stability and order
• Talcott Parsons' views on religion


  • Religion performs important functions for the harmonious running of society
  • Religion acts as a socializing agent that transmits moral guidelines and helps establish society's values
  • Religion helps individuals adjust to unpredictable changes in society by giving them a source of comfort
  • Religion provides a sense of purpose for individuals by giving their actions meaning
• How religion socializes individuals

  1. Provides guidance through ceremonies and religious texts

  2. Emphasizes values like obedience and loyalty in institutions like marriage

  3. Works in conjunction with other institutions like family and education to promote value consensus
• How religion helps individuals adapt to change

  1. Brings people together to celebrate and grieve

  2. Provides solace in times of tragedy like death or illness

  3. Offers guidance and practical support in times of tragedy
• How religion provides meaning

  1. Promotes ideas of faith and the will of deities

  2. Provides answers to questions about unexpected events

  3. Reaffirms commitment to social goals by promising rewards for adversity
• Society's increasing reliance on science is leading many to question their faith
• The diversity of religious experiences in contemporary society can change the values that society holds
• Some religious values are argued to be outdated and do not reflect the lifestyles of some individuals in contemporary society
• Parsons' functionalist approach ignores the negative aspects of religion, such as conflict between different factions or belief systems