Examine the view that religion has positive functions for society (18 marks) Functionalists demonstrate a positive view of religion, they see religion as a fundamental factor in the maintaining of consensual values. Without religion, Functionalists believe that society would break down. Durkheim suggests that religion is not a belief in Gods, spirits or supernatural but rather a factor that separates the sacred and the profane. Sacred things are believed to hold value and are treated with
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Evaluate feminist views on the role and functions of religion in society today (33 Marks) All over the world religion is portrayed differently giving people many different opinions on it. In general feminists portray the view that women are oppressed by men and they believe that this is enforced through different ways including religion. Feminist believe that religion is a product of patriarchy meaning it serves the purpose of men. This could be suggested due to the majority of religious figures
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Marxists believe that religions main role is to dull the pain of oppression. They believe that religions act is the opium of the masses, and acts as a drug to ‘dull the pain of oppression’. Religion dumbs the pain of oppression by the promise of paradise in the next life. This shown by the Hindu Caste system where the poor believe that they will be rewarded in their next life. Religion also justifies social order. For example the hymn All things bright and beautiful demonstrates class equalities
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the role and functions of religion in contemporary society. Functionalists see society as based upon consensus, where each institution functions to help society work together as a whole with shared ways of thinking and behaving. One example of this is the Ten Commandments which include a number of the principles highlighted in the U.K law system. As a result of this, functionalists such as Durkheim and Parsons see religion as a means of integration and social control within society. They believe
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this research our main focus enlightens on how religion and family is affected by the functionalist perspective. The functionalist perspective, also called functionalism, is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology. It has its origins in the works of Emile Durkheim, who was especially interested in how social order is possible or how society remains relatively stable. The functionalist perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of society by focusing on how each part influences and
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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
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Assess the view that the main function of religion is to promote social stability (33 marks) Social stability refers to harmony and integration within society, the main function of religion has long been argued between sociologists depending on their perspective. Among those that agree are functionalists, for example Durkheim and his study on totem worship, on the other hand Marxists argue religion oppresses the proletariat in order to maintain a capitalist society. The main sociologists that support
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Functionalist (MACRO) view on Religion Functionalists believe that society is like an organism (Organic/Biological Analogy), and different key things each play its crucial part to keep society running successfully. This can include Religion, the Economy and the people in it. For functionalists what makes order possible is a social consensus (Equilibrium or Social Harmony/agreement) – shared norms and beliefs by which society as a whole follows. Religious institutions play their part in the social
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Functionalist theories of religion Understand functionalist theories and explain the role and function of religion, and how religion contributes to social stability. Durkheim on religion: He believes that it is a central institution for creating and maintaining value consensus and social solidarity. The key feature was not the belief in God, but a fundamental distinction between the sacred and profane found in all religions. The sacred and the profane For Durkheim, the key feature
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Examine the extent to which religion can still be said to be functional for individuals and for society (18 marks) Functionalists define religion as promoting social solidarity and integration. This can be described using the biological analogy- each segment of society performs a function, this maintains an equilibrium, without which society would disintegrate. Functionalists see religion as contributing positively to society, as it performs functions for the individual as it creates a sense of
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