Assess the usefulness of functionalist theories in understanding religion today Essay

Assess the usableness of functionalist theories in understanding holiness today (33 marks) thither be a variety of divergent definitions of religion including substantive definitions, which refers to focusing on the content or substance of a ghostlike belief such as God, functional definitions, which refers to religion in name of the social or psychological functions it carries come in for the individual and at that place argon too social constructionist definitions which focus on how members of rule of magnitude actu all in all in ally define religion.Functionalists hold a consensus view and press that ships company requires both(prenominal) social line of battle and solidarity in tack together for it to exceed smoothly, and religion is one government agency of providing this as it encourages divided up norms and set. As antecedently mentioned, functionalists argue that social high society and solidarity to run smoothly Durkheim argued that there ar quarte tte main ways in which religion offers value consensus. unmatchable way is by dint of the tabu and profane, he argued that sacred referred to topics that be separate from monastic order and create feelings of awe, appreciation and fear whereas profane referred to things that were inferior with no real significance. Durkheim accordingly argued that the only thing powerful enough to inspire large number in the way religion does is society itself therefore nub people be not adoreping their religion or god, that in fact society this mode that people unite under the kindred belief, sp commemorateing shared norms and values all over and therefore creating consensus within society. different way in which religion boosters to maintain value consensus is by means of Totemism Durkheim argued that heart of all religions could be identified by examining its simplest level in the simplest type of society which he called a clan society.He carried disclose a study in Austral ia with a kindred with a clan system. (Arunta) This tribe consisted of a close knit companionship who carried step to the fore rituals together with involved the worshipping of a sacred totem, such as a plant of leaf that identifies the clan therefore creating a sense of social order and solidarity. Totemism is similar to the sacred and profane as it causes individuals to unknowingly worship society kind of of a God or fey being, therefore again spreading shared norms and values. However, there are criticisms to this view Worsley argues that there is no difference amongst the sacred and profane and his view of totemism would only check to small crustal plate communities with a iodin religion, but not larger scale communities with multiple religions as there are commonly conflicts between them,meaning there is no longer social order and solidarity.Malinowski argues that religion promotes social order and solidarity by dint of it psychological functions, which helps individu als who are going through hardship therefore preventing them from going against societys shared norms and values. Malinowski suggested two variant types of situation in which religion helps to coif this role. One way is when the outcome is main(prenominal) but is un incorporatelable he compared the differences between two different ways of angle when carrying out a study in the Western Pacific, he argued that lagoon angle is predictable, safe and has a more prospered method of catching fish meaning there is no ritual. However, when the islanders were ocean fishing, he identified it as more stern and uncertain which required the islanders to carry out rituals in order to ensure their golosh whilst fishing. Malinowski argued that the ritual gave the islanders a sense of control and more confidence, again highlighting solidarity.The other situation was at times of flavor crises, this meant events that cause significant change such as birthdays, weddings, and death religion is useful as it helps bring little disruption. Similarly, Parsons argues that religion helps individuals to handle unforeseen events and uncontrollable outcomes. He identified two ways in which religion does this one way is by creating and legitimising societys central values but make them sacred. For example, in the USA, Protestantism helped process the American core values of meritocracy, individualism and self-disciple sacred.This therefore helps to promote social order and solidarity as the vast majority of Americans would suck the same norms and values, creating little conflict and great social cohesion. The other way is by answering peoples last-ditch questions, such as who created the earth, and why do some people die young. It gives individuals a sense of security and makes people little likely to rebel against society. However, not all sociologists agree with the functionalists and their view of religion and its role.Feminists argue that the role of religion is to opp ress women and help maintain patriarchy within society. One way in which religion maintains patriarchy is through religious organisations these are significantly male dominated, for example, Orthodox Judaism and Catholicism do not allow women to become priests. Armstrong argues that this is cause for the marginalisation of women in religion and society. Places of worship often separate the sexes, placing men on more sanctum sanctorum ground with women session behind a screen. Women are as well not allowed to preach or read from sacred texts.Additionally, menstruating women are not allowed to nip the Quran, this therefore reinforces patriarchy as women are forbidden from doing important rituals within their holy ground and are also discriminated against. sacral texts are often focused on the actions of male gods and prophets and are commonly write by men. Women who are featured in sacred texts are commonly pictured through stereotypes such as Eve, who caused the gleam of h umanity and expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Lastly, religious laws and customs ensure that women are addicted fewer rights than men, such as gravel to divorce, how many spouses they can have, decision making etc. In conclusion, there are a variety of different theories as to the usefulness of lack of in regards to religion.