A2 Sociology: Defining Relgion

A2 Sociology,[object Object],Religion,[object Object]

Defining Religion,[object Object],Sociologist define religion in three main ways: substantive, functional and social constructionist.,[object Object]

Substantive Definitions,[object Object],[object Object]

Substantive definitions are exclusive– drawing a clear line between religious and non-religious beliefs. To be a religion, a set of beliefs must believe in God or the supernatural.

Defines religion as belief in a superior or supernatural power that is above nature and cannot be explained scientifically.,[object Object]

Example 1: Emile Durkheim (1915)

Defines religion in terms of contributions it makes to social integration, rather than to any specific belief in God or the supernatural.

Example 2: Milton Yinger (1970)

Identifies function of religion performs for individuals such as answering the ‘ultimate question’ about meaning of life, and what happens after we die.,[object Object]

say it is NOT possible to produce a single universal definition of religion since so many different religions exist & there is no consensus on the term ‘religion’ amongst any of them.

They are interested in how definitions are constructed, challenged & fought over.

Alan Aldridge (2007) argues Scientology is a legitimate religion despite many governments saying it is illegal & have tried to ban it.

Shows that definitions of religion can be contested & are influenced by those with power to define it.,[object Object]

Check your learning,[object Object],In pairs, 10 minutes.,[object Object],Make a list of similarities and differences between attending a football match and a religious service.,[object Object],Is it fair to compare attending a football match to a religious experience? Why/why not?,[object Object]

Durkheim and religion,[object Object],Functionalist, 1858-1917.,[object Object],Developed the idea that religious institutions play a central role in creating and maintaining value consensus, order and solidarity in society. ,[object Object],He is known for three contributions to the theory of religion:,[object Object],The Sacred and the Profane,[object Object],Totemism,[object Object],The Collective Conscience,[object Object]

The Sacred and the Profane,[object Object],Sacred are things which are things which are set apart & forbidden, inspire feelings of awe, fear & wonder. Surrounded by taboos & prohibitions.,[object Object],Profane have no special significance– it is the ordinary & mundane.,[object Object],This plays hand in hand with the rituals & practices that support & reinforce the religious belief in the sacred, collectively done rituals performed by a group.,[object Object]

Totemism,[object Object],Durkheim studied clan society.,[object Object],Particularly the Arunta, an Australian Aboriginal Tribe with a clan system.,[object Object],Consisted of bands of kin who came together to periodically perform rituals involving worship of a sacred totem.,[object Object],The totem is the clans emblem, typically a plant or animal and symbolises the clan’s origins and identity.,[object Object],The rituals serve to reinforce the groups solidarity and sense of belonging.,[object Object]

Totemism analysis,[object Object],Worshipping a totem is the same as worshipping their society, even if they are not aware of it.,[object Object],Totem inspires feelings of awe in the clan’s members since it represents the power of the group on which they are totally ‘utterly dependent’.,[object Object]

The Collective conscience,[object Object],Sacred symbols represent society’s collective conscience.,[object Object],Collective Conscience is the shared norms and values, beliefs and knowledge that make social life and cooperation between individuals possible. Without this, society would disintegrate according to Durkheim.,[object Object],Durkheim says regular shared religious rituals reinforce the collective conscience and maintain social integration.,[object Object],Shared rituals remind them that they are part of a single moral community to which they owe their loyalty.,[object Object],Benefits the individuals by making them realise there is something greater than themselves.,[object Object]

Malinowski and Psychological Function,[object Object],Agrees with Durkheim that religion promotes social solidarity.,[object Object],Malinowski says it happens because religion performs a psychological function for individuals, helping them to cope with stress which would otherwise undermine their solidarity with wider society.,[object Object],Identifies 2 situations where religion fills this role:,[object Object],Where the outcome is important but is uncontrollable and thus uncertain. Fishing example, pg. 11,[object Object],At times of life crisis. Birth, death, marriage etc…,[object Object]

Check Your Understanding,[object Object],In what ways might the birth of a new baby disrupt social relationships? Discuss.,[object Object]

A2 Sociology: Defining Relgion

A2 Sociology: Defining Relgion

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A2 Sociology: Defining Relgion