durkheim

• Durkheim


  A functionalist who applied functionalist definitions of religion
• Durkheim's understanding of religion

  • Religion promoted a form of social cohesion between individuals
  • Religion acted as a key social institution
  • Religion actively looked to maintain a value consensus in society and maintain social order
  • Religion acted as a conservative force ensuring rapid social changes were kept in check and prevented anomie in society
• Profane


  Activities with no prescribed meaning, general day-to-day activities
• Sacred


  Activities that brought people together through wonder, excitement, fear or anxiety, commonly observed through rituals, traditions and ceremonies
• Totems


  Sacred symbols and artifacts that acted as focal points for ceremonies or rituals, usually linked to nature
• Functions of religion according to Durkheim

  • Discipline - norms and values helped regulate behavior and maintain social order
  • Cohesion - ceremonies and traditions reaffirmed commitment to society and strengthened social bonds
  • Vitalizing - passed down traditions and ceremonies from one generation to the next
  • Euphoric - allowed individuals to alleviate frustrations by becoming part of something bigger than themselves
• Durkheim's view of religion


  Criticized for failing to understand the spiritual significance of religious artifacts and ceremonies, and for basing it on the idea of a singular belief system rather than diverse beliefs
• Durkheim demonstrated the importance of religion and how individuals seek to reaffirm their commitment to society's norms and values through collective worship