Beliefs in society Thursday, 06 December 2018 Lesson 1: TOPIC: definitions The 3 sociological definitions of religion functionalist theories of religion By the end of this lesson you need to explain why this image is relevant Evaluative points for each definition of religion and the functionalist perspective Can the definitions of religion be applied to modern society, does functionalism still apply Substantive, constructivist, functional sacred, profane, consensus

Sociological definitions of religion In England and Wales 2001 census 390,127 people (almost 0.8%) stated their religion as Jedi on their 2001 Census forms, surpassing Sikhism, Judaism, and Buddhism, and making it the fourth largest reported religion in the country.[ In the 2001 Census, 2.6% of the population of Brighton claimed to be Jedi. But sociologically does it count as a Religion? Using the 3 sociological definitions of Religion decide of Jedi can truly be considered a religion

Constructionist definitions. Defining Religion- This is Sociology so it’s never going to be straight forward! Constructionist definitions. Constructivist sociologist such as Aldridge take an interpretivist approach to the study of religion There can be no single definition of religion. They do not assume that Religion always involves a belief in God or the super natural, or that it provides a similar function across every society. Instead they focus on the meanings people themselves place on religion

Although some of these functions are seen as controversial – Does religion bring about social harmony? Functions of Religion Emotion Support. E.g. Funerals Provides security - heaven Brings people together Provides guidelines for how we act Creates social harmony

Task Mind map the functions you can think of that religion provides to the individual or society.

Maintains social harmony and social cohesion Theories of Religion Functionalism Religion – Positive Maintains social harmony and social cohesion Durkheim Religion divides the world up into two groups, things that are: Sacred – Symbolic and significant Sacred things inspire awe, fear and fascination and are surrounded by special rules. Profane – Connected to mundane everyday reality, and have no special significance.

Functionalism… Malinowski Religion helps deal with emotional stress. E.g. Births, deaths. Relieves tension, recreates stability Ceremonies help deal with tension

Functionalism… Parsons Primary source of meaning for members of society. Legitimises ‘core values’ of culture  promotes social solidarity and stabilisation. Religion provides core norms and values – by promoting norms and values it thus further promotes  social consensus.

Immediate activity What do these two images have to do with religion

Immediate activity It’s the year 2002 and the then Miss R’s parents have foolishly left their 18 year old twins at home while they go on holiday. Obviously we had party Using Durkheim’s ideas of the sacred and the profane explain why I was in more trouble when my mum found a photo one of my friends using her inexpensive rosary beads to help open a bottle than my brother was when they discovered it was him who broke the expensive vase.

The rituals reinforce the groups solidarity and sense of belonging Totemism Durkheim Studied the simplest form of society- Clan Society – Arunta – Australian Aboriginal tribe Clans consisted of bands of kin who come together to perform rituals which worship the totem The rituals reinforce the groups solidarity and sense of belonging The totem inspires feelings of awe as it represents the power of the group

Your task Imagine that you are a researcher into uncontacted tribes. While on a jungle expedition you come across a tribe who have never encountered other people before You witness their religious ceremonies which are all based around a sacred item. Without conferring with anyone else write down the rules you think the tribe have about the item

Cognitive functions of religion Durkheim argued that religion didn’t just give us social solidarity it also gave us concepts and categories we need to help understand the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLHB_hNk42g

Evaluation And even if the theory of totemism is right for Aboriginal religions it doesn’t mean that it is right for all religions, the theory can’t explain why there is conflict between societies. Postmodernists argue that Durkheim ideas can’t be applied to contemporary society as they argue that here is no longer a shared value system for religion to reinforce.

Criticisms continued Worsley (1956) There is no sharp division between the sacred and profane. What do you think this means? You should view everything—whether it be pebbles, stones or gold—as the same. Lord Krishna speaking to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita This book was written over 2500 years ago and helps form the basis for Hinduism. What does this say about Durkheim’s theory?

Evaluation continued Postmodernists argue that Durkheim ideas can’t be applied to contemporary society as they argue that here is no longer a shared value system for religion to reinforce.

Bronislaw Malinowski (1954) Agrees with Durkheim that religion promotes solidarity, but does so by performing psychological functions for individuals. Where the outcome is important but uncontrollable and uncertain. At times of life crises. Can you think of some examples of each?

Outcome important but uncontrollable Trobriand Islanders of Western Pacific Lagoon fishing safe & predictably successful – no ritual Ocean fishing dangerous & uncertain – ‘canoe magic’: gives people sense of control, eases tension, raises confidence to undertake dangerous task, reinforce group solidarity

At time of crises Events like birth, puberty, marriage & death major disruptive changes to social groups Religion helps to minimise disruption, e.g. funeral rituals reinforce feeling of solidarity among the survivors & notion of immortality gives comfort to bereaved

Functionalism… Parsons Religion provides answers for things that would otherwise weaken our commitment to society such as providing us with answers about suffering and death by providing answers religion helps people to cope and so keeps society stable.

Imagine John Lennon vs the functionalists John Lennon argued that a world without religion would be better, people would be more united. Why would Functionalist scholars disagree.

Bellah- Civil religion A belief system that attached sacred qualities to society itself. This could be an identity or way of life. Erm, I said this in 1915. Get your own ideas Bellah. Think of rituals within the U.S.A. or UK that show loyalty to a nation. Do you agree that civic religion causes peace and harmony between different religions?

Robert Bellah- Civil Religion https://www. youtube. com/watch

Functionalism ignores negatives e.g. Criticisms Functionalism ignores negatives e.g. That religion can be a source of division and conflict, especially in places where there is more than one religion (religious plaurism) e.g. Northern Ireland.

Religion and Social Control Religion distorts reality – encourages the belief that supernatural beings control events and there is nothing humans can do about it. Religion legitimises the inequality which exists in society. Engels – In the 1800’s British Bourgeoisie spent large sums of money in supporting mainstream Christian organisations.

Religion as Compensation Religion compensates for the misery of those who have been exploited. Christianity, Judaism and Islam are examples of religions which offer the escape of heavenly rewards. Hinduism and Buddhism teaches its followers life may be better in later reincarnations.

Religion as Compensation Religion promises happiness although the happiness it promises is just an illusion. True happiness can only be obtained by the exploited shaking off the oppression and practicing their freedom.

Evaluating Marxism Strengths Weaknesses

Functional alternatives Can we really consider that these use the same ideas of shard rituals as belief systems do?