Breaking down the meaning

 Understand the different ways in which religion is interpreted.  Explain the theories associated with the different perspectives.

What does Religion do for society? What purpose or ‘function’ does it serve?

 Essence of religion could be found by studying its simplest form  Arunta – Australian Aboriginal tribe with a clan system  Rituals with the totem reinforces groups solidarity  Durkheim argues that by worshipping the totem they are in fact worshipping society  Represents the power of the group on which the individual is dependent

 Religion addresses situations of emotional stress that can potentially harm social order Stress Disruption Tension RELIGION

 Religion as a coping mechanism.  It creates and legitimates societies central values.  Primary source of meaning.  Answering the ‘big’ questions.

 Similar to Parsons in that he is interested in religion as a unifying factor  ‘Americanism’ – sacred qualities attached to society. IN God WE TRUST

 Functional views ignores what makes religion distinctive which is a connection to the supernatural.  Ignores negative impact of religion – oppression, religious conflict

 Feature of a class divided society  Once the working class overthrow the bourgeoisie there will be no need for religion

 Class that controls economic production also controls distribution of ideas through institutions such as church, school and media

 Weapon to legitimize suffering of the poor – false consciousness  According to Lenin – ‘spiritual gin’

 Legitimating social inequality– i.e. divinely ordained Kings  Disguising exploitation – poverty is due to past sin and wealth is given by God.  Keeping the Working class passive – Suffering is virtuous, will be rewarded in heaven.

 Becoming separated from something that one has produced or created.  Capitalism disallows the workers to be creative beings.  There is no meaning is their work and they must turn to religion for consolation.  Offers illusory happiness in the form of a promised afterlife never dealing with the cause of suffering.

 Ignores positive functions of religion.  Althusser (Marxist) rejects idea of alienation - unscientific  Religion does not always function as a means of control – Abercrombie and Turner argue that in pre-capitalist society Christianity had a limited impact on the peasantry.

 Society is PATRIARCHAL  Religion is a tool that perpetuates this ideal or inequality

 Organizations – exclusion from priesthood  Places of Worship – sexes can segregated with males given more sacred spaces.  Sacred Texts – feature male Gods, prophets etc… Anti-female stereotypes.  Laws and Customs – fewer rights, harsher punishments, regulate domestic role

 Karen Armstrong and Nawal El Saadawi argue that the rise of monotheism has worked to legitimize the power of men over women.  Religion has been shifted to reflect Patriarchal views.