1. To Start: Link the images with the functionalist scholars we considered last lesson. Durkheim, Parsons, Malinowski, Bellah

2. Lesson Objectives
Thinking Ladder…
To KNOW & UNDERSTAND the functionalist definition of religion in more detail.
To KNOW & UNDERSTAND the key concepts of Durkheim’s theory of religion.
To COMPARE & CONTRAST functionalist views on the purpose of religion with Marxist views

3. Success Criteria How will I know if I am learning?
By the end of the lesson you… D
Will be able to describe the concepts of totemism, civil religion, and the psychological functions of religion according to functionalists C
Will be able critically evaluate the functionalist theories of religion, and consider their application to modern society, you will be able to offer a simple comparison with Marxist views
B & above
Will be critically evaluate functionalist theories of religion by constructing an in depth comparison between Functionalist and Marxist views.

4. Cognitive Functions
Durkheim argues that religion is the origin of human thought, giving us a concept of time, space, cause and substance. these Durkheim argues are essential for human thought, reasoning and science

5. The Collective Conscience
According to Durkheim the sacred items used in religion represent the societies shared norms, values, beliefs and knowledge that make social life and integration possible.
Without these, society would disintegrate.
Durkheim emphasised the importance of collective worship.

7. Civil Religion – Robert Bellah (1970)
How does religion unify a multi-faith society like America?
According to Bellah Civil Religion is a belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society itself. In America’s case, civil religion is Americanism or the American Way of Life.

8. Beckford (2003) Occasions when UK is drawn
together by rituals & events
“It is doubtful that these occasions can compensate for the UK’s deep social divisions & high rate of religious diversity and indifference. If the UK has a civil religion it is at best occasional, and at worst weak”

9. Comparisons with Marxism
Functions of Religion
Emotion Support. E.g. Funerals
Provides security - heaven
Brings people together
Provides guides for how we act
Creates social harmony
Use your hand out to create a mind map for the purpose of religion according to Marxism
Remember this? The Functionalist view on the function of religion

10. How to write contrasting paragraphs
Focus
Functionalist point
Marxist point
Emotional role
One function of religion is its emotional and psychological role. Religion can help to reduce people’s anxieties and in doing so reinforce their commitment to society and maintain social order. According to Parsons religion answers the eternal questions of man , such as what happens after death. Malinowski also examines the psychological effects of religion and religious rituals. He notes how religion helps in times of uncertainty and produces emotional stability. He focuses on life crises such as birth and death and how rituals such as funerals provide comfort at these time s and restore stability. This prevents people’s desire for social change and illustrates how religion acts is a conservative force. In this way, religion is beneficial to the individual and to society as a whole.
In contrast, Marxists consider the emotional role of religion, but in a more negative way. Marx described religion as an opiate that dulled the pain of oppression. This benefits the ruling class by helping them to control the subordinate class. One way that religion does this is by promising eternal bliss in life after death. This makes life in earth more bearable. Religion also makes poverty more tolerable by saying that there is a virtue in suffering and that there will be reward and compensation in heaven. This is known as compensation and makes sure that the subordinate class do not challenge their superiors and attempt a revolution. Another example is how religion promises supernatural intervention, as in the Christian belief of a judgement day where God will return to Earth and establish a kingdom here.

11. Theme
Functionalist argument
Marxist critique
Religion and socialisation - values
According to Functionalists, religion is a powerful agent of socialisation. It promotes shared values which bond a society together. Durkheim notes how religious values are ‘sacred’ and therefore are followed by members of society. In Christianity, the breaking of certain values will lead to punishment in hell. This is a strong way to control behaviour. Durkheim also notes how believing in shared values, unifies people together and along with collective worship, this renews a sense of belonging and membership.
In contrast, Marxist argue that………
Other critiques of functionalist views
Religion divides people
Modern society – secular
Pluralism today
Small scale/primitive society

12. How could we use functionalist and Marxist theories in this answer