1. 2. 3 Theoretical Perspectives on Religion

2. Symbolic Interactionism
3 Perspectives
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Symbolic Interactionism

3. Functionalism Sees 4 social functions fulfilled by religion
Legitimizes social arrangements (wealth/poverty, marriage, monogamy)
Encourages sense of unity/social order
Provides understanding of the unexplainable
Promotes a sense of belonging

4. Conflict Theory
Asks how does religion work to inhibit or encourage social change?
Hinduism: Caste System- inhibits any change in social class
Christianity: “Protestant Ethic”- God rewards hard work and “good Christians” by blessing them financially (idle hand are the devil’s workshop)

5. Symbolic Interactionism
People ascribe symbolic meaning to everyday issues to help them deal with their world
“There are no atheists in foxholes”
In a life or death situation, it is the nature of humans to turn to a higher power