...on Religion When it comes to the social institution of religion, the three major sociological theories differ in a majority of ways. All three have their own way of how they perceive religion functions in society. The purpose of this paper is to show the impact each theory has had on religion as well as the people inside the institution itself. Religion has been around for many hundreds of years and has had a great influence on many things in societies over time and across the world, such as politics, economics, and has even led to many wars. But how would one come about with a definition of the word religion? There are many different definitions out there of religion that are basic and even some definitions that get more complex. One basic and easy way to describe religion is a person or group of peoples set beliefs and practices on the concept of spirituality. J. Milton Yinger takes one of the more complex approaches to defining religion. He calls it “a system of beliefs and practices by which a group of people struggle with the ultimate problems of human life – problems relating to human morality, suffering, and injustice; and the need to infuse human life with meaning, and intellectual coherence, and the crucial importance of upholding moral percepts and patterns of social life” (Bouma p.4). Although both definitions seem to be drastically different, they actually do compliment each other and when used together can give us a much better understanding of religion and...
Words: 2042 - Pages: 9
...Religion is one of the oldest institutions on Earth, and is therefore of key cultural and historical importance to a large group of people. However the real question is whether religion serves to benefit both the individual and society in this ever evolving postmodern world. One perspective that suggests that religion does serve to benefit both the individual and society as a whole is Functionalism, which believes that religion maintains value consensus by creating social solidarity and keeping social order in place. Marxism however believes religion creates class division in society, by acting as an “opium of the people” and a “spiritual gin”, which in turn creates the false class consciousness and illusory happiness, which leads to people being subordinate and not challenging their place in society, as religion helps to explain their place and maintains social order. A core argument from the Functionalist perspective, put forward by Durkheim, was society’s distinction between the “sacred” (things set apart,special,inspire feelings of awe and wonder) and the “profane” (things that have no special significance,ordinary or mundane). Durkheim argued that the reason why scared symbols or festivals in religion evoke such powerful feelings in individuals is because they represent a greater power, this in Durkheim’s opinion could only be society itself. Therefore in Durkheim's view when members of society are worshipping sacred symbols, they’re merely worshipping society and all...
Words: 1488 - Pages: 6
... a) Identify and briefly explain some of the ways in which religion could be said to ‘exert social control over the members of society’ (June2006) b) Identify and briefly explain some of the ways in which functionalists see religion meeting the needs of society and / or individuals. (June 2007) New syllabus: 12 mark questions a)Using material from item a and elsewhere, briefly examine the extent to which religion can still be said to be functional for individuals and society (June 2002) b) Briefly examine the evidence and or arguments in favour of the view that religion can act as a force for change in society (June 2006) c) Briefly examine post-modernist views on the nature and role of religion (June 2007) NEW SYLLABUS: 40 mark essay questions • Assess the role and functions of religious institutions and movements in contemporary society. (40) Sample A2 paper (Issued May 2000) • Evaluate the view that religion acts as a conservative force in modern society (40) Jun 2001 “The main function of religion is to provide people with a code of behaviour which regulates personal and social life.” Assess the extent to which sociological arguments and evidence support this view of religion in modern society (40) January 2002 Assess and evaluate the relationship between religion and social change. (40) Jan 2003 Assess the view that in most societies, religion functions more to cause conflict than to bring about harmony...
Words: 963 - Pages: 4
...principle sociological perspectives. In this assignment I will be explaining some of the different sociological perspectives in today’s society. The sociological perspectives which I will be explaining will be Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, and interactionism, Collectivism, Postmodernism and The New Right. The first perspective which I will be explaining will be Functionalism. Functionalism is the view that our society is based onagreed norms and values. A norm is social rules that define correct behaviour in society. An example of a norm can be an individual attending school until they are the age of 18. Values are what are important to an individual and this differs in class, culture, ethnicity and gender. An example of a value which is important to most of our society is going to school, going to church or volunteering. Functionalists see social structure or the organisation of society as more important than the individual itself. They say that people are born into society and become the product if all social influences around them because they’re socialised by different institutions such as family, education, media and religion. Sociologist Talcott Parsons sees society as a system that works together to keep things running smoothly just like the human body. Social consensus is a key belief of functionalism. It allows society to continue to progress because the theory believes that we have shared norms and values in society which we must follow. Another sociological perspective...
Words: 1069 - Pages: 5
...between sociological perspectives. Develop a sociological imagination. Identify components of social groups and organizations. Materials Readings for Week One: EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 1 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 3 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 5 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 12 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. ARTICLE: Week One Electronic Reserve Readings Assessment Individual Assignment: Social Group Worksheet Martix Resource: Social Group Worksheet Matrix Complete the Social Group Worksheet using your sociological imagination to identify and describe the relationship between yourself and the other members of any social group of your choice. Submit the Social Group Worksheet Matrix. Social Group Matrix Refer to your course syllabus for additional instructions on individual and learning team assignments. WEEK 2 - TOPIC 1: SCIENCE OF SOCIOLOGY Objectives Apply the steps of the scientific method. Compare major research designs. Explain ethical issues in sociological research. Materials Readings for Week Two: EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 2 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. ARTICLE: Week Two Electronic Reserve Readings Assessment Scientific Method Matrix WEB LINK: Video: Three Cups of Tea Video Transcript: Three Cups of Tea WEB LINK: Video: Northern Exposure Video Transcript: Northern Exposure WEB LINK: Video: Religion Unplugged Video Transcript: Religion Unplugged ...
Words: 375 - Pages: 2
...Theoretical Perspective Theoretical Perspective Essay Katena J. Brooks Grand Canyon University: Principles of Sociology 102 August 20, 2011 Symbolic Interactionism has been used to describe various aspects of human life, according to George Herbert Meade’s theory, symbolic interactionism utilizes symbols in which to identify ones’ beliefs, culture, relationships, etc. Symbols have been used for many years, in one particular area that symbols are looked upon, and used in high regards is religion, and we will look at the Christianity religion from a symbolic interactionism perspectives. What are the symbols used within the Christianity religion? How does one embrace these symbols in order to communicate to one another, and gain a complete understanding of society? Some will argue that religion itself is a symbol, for some it is a symbol of hope, love, forgiveness, a safe haven; it is what defines them as human being, and with complete understanding religion allows those around them to “get them”, this is why I chose Symbolic Interactionism. Within the Christianity religion there are various symbols that are used as a guide too many; God, the cross, the bible, church, the Ten Commandments, and Moses just to name a few. One can ask, what is the relevance of the previous mentioned symbols, and everyday life? As to many within all religions, God is a symbol of the ultimate authority figure, it is God alone who created the world we live in, and it is God who has the right...
Words: 826 - Pages: 4
...COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is an introduction to the set of perspectives on human life that allows us to understand how our personal lives are affected by our place in society. It explores ways of looking at the world that allow us to understand how the events and experiences of our lives are part of group dynamics, of social institutions, and of cultural meanings. It allows us to see personal events and meanings as affected by historical forces and to see how historical events may be shaped by personal choices. Week 1 - Topic 1: Sociology and Social Groups Objectives Discuss the social construction of reality. Distinguish between sociological perspectives. Develop a sociological imagination. Identify components of social groups and organizations. Materials Readings for Week One EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 1 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 3 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 5 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 12 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. ARTICLE: Week One Electronic Reserve Readings Assessment Individual Assignment: Social Group Worksheet Martix Resource: Social Group Worksheet Matrix Complete the Social Group Worksheet using your sociological imagination to identify and describe the relationship between yourself and the other members of any social group of your choice. Submit the Social Group Worksheet Matrix. Social Group Matrix Refer to your course syllabus for additional...
Words: 702 - Pages: 3
...rather than science. Social, economic, political, and spiritual beliefs are all influenced if not dominated by religion. Christianity, Islamic, Judaism, Hinduism, and Roman Catholic’s all bring people together for some form of social interactions with one another, whether it be in a worship service, belief or ritual, or any other religious act that may require interaction. This paper will discuss the impact that the three sociological theories, the functionalism, conflict, and interactionism theories have on the religious institution along with the similarities and differences of these theories in respect to society’s view of religion. People have very different ways of viewing religion, which creates conflict throughout the world. The differences in beliefs and ideologies vary from person to person within any given society. The functionalists believe that religion “is essential for all societies because it helps unite people in a shared belief and behavior system, resulting in social cohesion.” (Vissing, 2011, sec. 4.6) Religion gives people answers, explains the unexplainable, and a purpose for life. Religious teaching and scripture encourage certain behaviors and help discourage others which regulate social and individual behavior. Interactionism impacts religion because most cultures and religions create a totem, or object that symbolizes ones religion. An example of a totem for Christians would be the cross. Human interaction is an essential part of most religious...
Words: 2373 - Pages: 10
...This essay will discuss the sociological perspective on religion and compare this with other disciplines. Some people believe that religion is something that is individual to each person, however, religion is also a social institution. Sociologists recognise that religion exists as a set of beliefs that is integrated into society to control behaviours and instil norms based on basic social needs and values. Religion is a cultural universal which means that it is found in all social groups globally. For example, in every culture around the world funeral ceremonies are practiced. Customs will differ between cultures and affiliations, but despite these differences there are still common elements in marking a person’s death. Universals...
Words: 608 - Pages: 3
...Three Major Sociological Paradigms There are three sociological perspectives that shape the structure of society as a whole. Functionalist perspective, symbolic interactionism and conflict theory. Sociologists develop these theories to explain social phenomena. In this essay I will explain the origins and evolution of the three main sociological perspectives and listing the sociologists that made major contributions to these disciplines. “The functionalist perspective is a sociological approach which emphasizes the way that parts of a society are structure to maintain its stability,” (Schaefer & Lamm, 1998). This perspective takes a look at society in a positive manner and sees it as stable, when all the parts are working together. With the functionalist view every social aspect of a society contributes to the society’s survival, and if not, then the aspect will not pass onto the next generation. There were two people who were mainly involved in the development of the functionalist perspective. The French sociologist David Emile Durkeim and Talcott Parsons. Durkheim contributed to the functionalist perspective when he studied religion, and how it was responsible for people feeling solidarity and unity in groups. Parsons was a sociologist from Harvard University who was greatly influenced by Durkheim. In return, he influences Sociology by dominating the field, with his functionalist views for four decades (Schaefer & Lamm, 1998). When approaching a subject...
Words: 1128 - Pages: 5
...woman)” in other words. Such a view of society has been massively useful for understanding the world we live in on a macro scale, and the fundamental propositions of the likes of Durkheim and Parsons constitute a huge area of contemporary sociological thought, specifically for the political and sociological right. However, it is clear that functionalism is no longer “in vogue”, and many actually see it as outdated and out of fashion, as its utility has been limited by a number of damaging criticisms and challenges from other sociological theories. Nevertheless, it has paved the way for much sociological research and continues to provide a useful explanation of society. In essence, functionalists see society as a “body”, which is composed of many different “organs” (institutions) which all functions together for the benefit of the whole. The social anthropologist Radcliffe-Brown for example, proposed that individuals are organised into society just as cells are organised into a body. Individual cells may die, but they are replaced and the body lives on, just as individual members of a society may die, but are replaces and the society continues to exist. Durkheim advocates this position, and believes that the institutions of society, such as religion, the education system and the family, all work together to create social equilibrium. Durkheim has a “homo-duplex” view of human nature. That is, he sees humans as possessing a good, conforming side and a bad,...
Words: 1251 - Pages: 6
...1. 1.The Sociological perspective What is Sociology? Sociology is the scientific study of human society & social behavior. 2. What is Sociology? * It focuses primarily on the influence of social relationships upon people’s attitudes and behavior and on how societies are established and change. * The ultimate aim of sociology as summed up by Samuel Koenig is “ to improve man’s adjustment to life by developing objective knowledge concerning social phenomena which can be used to deal effectively with social problems.” 3. The Sociological Perspective * 1. The sociological perspective is important because it provides a different way of looking at familiar worlds. It allows us to gain a new vision of social life. * 2. This perspective stresses the broader social context of behavior by looking at individuals’ social location, employment, income, education, gender, age, and race –and by considering external influences –people’s experiences –which are internalized and become part of a person’s thinking and motivations. (cont…) 4. * We are able to see the links between what people do and the social settings that shape their behavior. * 3. The sociological perspective enables us to analyze and understand both the forces that contribute to the emergence and growth of the global village and our unique experiences in our own smaller corners of this village. 5. Subject Matter of Sociology * Sociological analysis:...
Words: 2750 - Pages: 11
...A2 Sociology ASSESSMENT PACK 2015-16 A2 Level Sociology Student Tracking Sheet | |Current Grade |Target Grade |Lates |Attendance | |September | | | | | |November | | | | | |January | | | | | |March | | | | | |May | | | | | | |Families |Education | |UMS | | | |Grade | | | | |Handed in on |Mark |Grade |What is the target for my next piece of work? |Above/ On/ Under Target | |Assessment/Homework |time...
Words: 9631 - Pages: 39
...society • Point of view known as “the sociological perspective” • Sociologist Peter Berger describes the sociological perspective as: seeing general in the particular or looking at the familiar in the strange. • Individuals are unique, but society shapes the lives of people. (Rich, poor, genders, executives, and faculty. • Sociological perspectives can show us patterns -of clothes people decide to wear. • By examining patterns scientifically we can predict human behavior and understand how society guides and shapes our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. : People’s attitudes and behaviors in the contexts of social forces and institutional arrangements that shape men. C.Mills Wright sociologist developed this concept • Focused how change in society experts direct profound influences on people living in it. - In this “Great Recession” - Not because of the individual or society inability to provide jobs - Do to outsourcing Emile Durkheim, early sociologist that studied suicide - Showed evidence of social forces where responsible for why people kill themselves • In late 19th century, Durkheim examined official records in various European countries - Found that some categories of people were more likely than others to take their lives. - Durkheim invented way to show evidence: men, wealthy, protestant, unmarried – have higher suicide rates than women, Catholics, poor, and married. • Discovered general Sociological patterns • Realized social integration:...
Words: 641 - Pages: 3
...CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS GCE Advanced Level MARK SCHEME for the May/June 2014 series 9699 SOCIOLOGY 9699/33 Paper 3 (Social Inequality and Opportunity), maximum raw mark 75 This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have considered the acceptability of alternative answers. Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for Teachers. Cambridge will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes. Cambridge is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2014 series for most IGCSE, GCE Advanced Level and Advanced Subsidiary Level components and some Ordinary Level components. Page 2 1 Mark Scheme GCE A LEVEL – May/June 2014 Syllabus 9699 Paper 33 (a) Explain how the achievement of pupils may be influenced by pupil sub-cultures. [9] 0–4 A few general observations about pupils’ educational achievement, with no direct links to the question, would be worth 1 or 2 marks. A basic account of what is meant by pupil sub-culture, with no further development in relation to the question, would be placed in the higher part of the band. 5–9 Lower in the band, answers are likely to provide a basic...
Words: 3917 - Pages: 16
