1. Beliefs in society
Wednesday, 14 November 2018Wednesday, 14 November 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

9. Functionalism… Parsons
Religion provides answers. E.g. Why do people suffer? Suffering tests a persons faith.
Religion also provides answers such for evil acts, such as villains will get their come-uppance in the afterlife.

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

11. 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.

12. Next lesson: Marxism…
For Marx if we lived in a communist society there would be no need for religion.
Religion dulls the pain of oppression
It leads the proletariat into a false state of consciousness.

13. Homework
Go to the word press and download the reading for Marxist theories of religion, download it, print it and make notes on it, you will need to do this to participate in the next lesson, so make sure you bring it in!
Next Beliefs lesson is Thursday p4.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. Evaluating Marxism
Strengths
Weaknesses