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Starter:. Breaking down the meaning. Theories of Religion. Learning Outcomes. Understand the different ways in which religion is interpreted. Explain the theories associated with the different perspectives. Functionalism – Harmony and Social Cohesion. What does Religion do for society?
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Breaking down the meaning Theories of Religion
Learning Outcomes • Understand the different ways in which religion is interpreted. • Explain the theories associated with the different perspectives.
Functionalism – Harmony and Social Cohesion What does Religion do for society? What purpose or ‘function’ does it serve?
Totemism • 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
Malinowski • Religion addresses situations of emotional stress that can potentially harm social order Stress Disruption Tension RELIGION
Parsons • Religion as a coping mechanism. • It creates and legitimates societies central values. • Primary source of meaning. • Answering the ‘big’ questions.
Bellah • Similar to Parsons in that he is interested in religion as a unifying factor • ‘Americanism’ – sacred qualities attached to society. IN God WE TRUST
Criticism • Functional views ignores what makes religion distinctive which is a connection to the supernatural. • Ignores negative impact of religion – oppression, religious conflict
Marxism • Feature of a class divided society • Once the working class overthrow the bourgeoisie there will be no need for religion
Religion as ideology -‘Religion is the opium of the people’ • Class that controls economic production also controls distribution of ideas through institutions such as church, school and media
Religion as Ideology - cont • 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.
Religion and Alienation • 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.
Criticisms • 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.
Feminist Perspective – Sexism in Religion • Society is PATRIARCHAL • Religion is a tool that perpetuates this ideal or inequality
Evidence of Patriarchy in Religion • 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.
