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Functionalist theories of religion - Coggle Diagram
Functionalist theories of religion
EMILE DURKHEIM (1858-1917)
studies of the Australian aboriginal tribe Arunta
the clan comes together to worship the sacred Totem, the worship is the clan worshiping society and the sacred symbols represent societies shared conscience (norms, values, beliefs). reinforced by shared rituals which remind them of the power of society
religion is the source of our intellectual cognitive capacities and the origin of human thought, reason and science
see society as a system of interrelated parts or social institutions - each part has an essential function in keeping society 'healthy'
society will only function if there is social order and solidarity. order is made possible by the value consensus (shared norms)
sacred symbols (although they differ) perform the function of uniting believers into a single community. sacred things are symbols of society itself
CRITICISMS
WORSLEY (1956) says the evidence on totemism is unsound - different clans share the same totems meaning there is no sharp division between the sacred and the profane
POSTMODERNIST STJEPHAN MESTROVIC argue Durkheim's ideas cannot be applied to contemporary society
TALCOTT PARSONS (1967)
sees religion as helping individuals to cope
two essential functions:
creates and legitimises societies central values by making norms and values sacred, religion creates and legitimises them
it is the primary source of meaning - gives answers to ultimate questions about the human condition. religion provides a source of meanings and prevents life from seeming meaningless
ROBERT BELLAH (1970)
interested in how religion unites multi-faith societies
Civil Religion unifies America
a belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society itself
integrates society, involving loyalty to nation, state and belief in God which is expressed through rituals, symbols and beliefs (e.g. national anthems)
BRONISLAW MALINOWSKI (1954)
psychological functions
there are two situations:
where the outcome is important but is uncontrollable and thus uncertain
studied Trobriand Islanders from the Western Pacific. fishing in the lagoon was safe vs fishing in the ocean was unsafe but accompanied by 'canoe magic' rituals to ensure safe trip
at times of life crises
religion helps to minimise disruption (births, puberty, marriage and death mark major disruptive changes) funerals reinforce solidarity among survivors brings comfort
religion promotes solidarity performing psychological functions for individuals, helping to cope with emotional distress that would undermine society