Topic 1: Theories of R
What is R
Substantive definitions Functional Definitions Constructionist Definitions
Focus on the context of R belief such as belief in Focus on social + psychological functions R Interpretivist approach focusing on how members of
God/Supernatural performs for an individual/so soc define R themselves - impossible to generalise
WEBER: Belief in a superior/supernatural power that is above DURKHIEM: defines R in terms of the contribution it makes - Not possible to produce as single universal definition
nature + cannot be explained scientifically to social integration rather than any specific belief in for R since in reality different individuals + groups
- Exclusive definition they draw a clear line between R + God/supernatural mean very different things by R
non-R beliefs to be a R a set of beliefs must include YINGER: answers ultimate questions about the meaning of - Interested in how definitions of R are constructed
belief in God/ supernatural life + afterlife challenged + fought over time immemorial
- Conform to a widespread view of R as a belief in God - Inclusive include a wide range of beliefs + exploration
- Leaves no room for beliefs + practices that perform practices that preform functions such as ALDRIDGE: for its followers scientology is an R whereas several
similar functions to R but do not involve a belief in God integration no W bias governments have denied it legal status + sought to ban it
© W bias exclude R like Buddhism which do not have a W © just because a institution helps integrate individuals - This shows definitions of R can be contested
notion of God into groups does not make it R (collective chanting at
football)
, Functionalist theories of R
Soc is a system of interrelated parts (social institutions) each institution preforms a certain function which contributes to the maintenance of the social
system (PARSONS: organic analogy)
Soc most basic need is social order + solidarity so members can cooperate making value consensus possible to prevent the pursuit of selfish desires
R plays an integral part in maintaining consensus order + solidarity
DURKHIEM on R The scared + the profane Totemism The collective conscience Cognitive functions of R
Key feature of R not the Essence of R could be found Sacred symbols represent R not only a source of social
©WORSLEY: notes no belief in God / supernatural by studying it in its simplest society’s collective solidarity but also our
Sharpe division between the but a distinction between the form – clan society (Arunta conscience intellectual/cognitive
sacred + profane possible sacred + profane Aboriginal Australian Tribe) - This is the shared norms capacities
explanation for small scale R - Sacred: set apart, forbidden - Bands of kin unite values belief + knowledge - R is the origin of concepts +
cannot be generalised inspired feelings of awe fear periodically to preform that make social life + co- categories we need to
+ wonder surrounded by rituals involving the worship operation between understand the world
© PM MESTROVIC: D ideas taboos + prohibitions of a sacred totem. individuals would + MAUSS: primitive classification R
cannot be applied to - Profane: no special - The totem is an emblem that disintegrate provides basic categories such as
contemporary soc as significance ordinary + symbolises the clan’s identity - Regular shared rituals time, space + causation hence it is the
increased diversity has mundane the shared totemic rituals reinforce TCC + maintain origin of human thought
fragmented TCC no longer a R is not never simply a set of venerating it serve to social integration
shared set of beliefs/ Value beliefs it involves the definite reinforce the groups participating in shared rituals
system for R to reinforce rituals or practices in relation solidarity + sense of binds individuals together
to the sacred they a belonging reminding them they are a
collective performed by - when clan members worship part of a single moral
social groups the totemic animal, they are community to which they
- In his view this thing can only in reality worshiping society owe their loyalty
be society itself since society even though themselves are R preforms important
is the only thing powerful not aware of the fact function for the individual
enough to command such - The totem inspires feeling of feeling part of something
feelings awe in the clans’ members greater than us
- When they worship the because it represents the reinvigorating + strengthens
sacred symbols therefore power of the group on which us to face life’s trials +
people are worshiping the individual is utterly motivates us to overcome
society itself dependent obstacles that would
otherwise defeat us
What is R
Substantive definitions Functional Definitions Constructionist Definitions
Focus on the context of R belief such as belief in Focus on social + psychological functions R Interpretivist approach focusing on how members of
God/Supernatural performs for an individual/so soc define R themselves - impossible to generalise
WEBER: Belief in a superior/supernatural power that is above DURKHIEM: defines R in terms of the contribution it makes - Not possible to produce as single universal definition
nature + cannot be explained scientifically to social integration rather than any specific belief in for R since in reality different individuals + groups
- Exclusive definition they draw a clear line between R + God/supernatural mean very different things by R
non-R beliefs to be a R a set of beliefs must include YINGER: answers ultimate questions about the meaning of - Interested in how definitions of R are constructed
belief in God/ supernatural life + afterlife challenged + fought over time immemorial
- Conform to a widespread view of R as a belief in God - Inclusive include a wide range of beliefs + exploration
- Leaves no room for beliefs + practices that perform practices that preform functions such as ALDRIDGE: for its followers scientology is an R whereas several
similar functions to R but do not involve a belief in God integration no W bias governments have denied it legal status + sought to ban it
© W bias exclude R like Buddhism which do not have a W © just because a institution helps integrate individuals - This shows definitions of R can be contested
notion of God into groups does not make it R (collective chanting at
football)
, Functionalist theories of R
Soc is a system of interrelated parts (social institutions) each institution preforms a certain function which contributes to the maintenance of the social
system (PARSONS: organic analogy)
Soc most basic need is social order + solidarity so members can cooperate making value consensus possible to prevent the pursuit of selfish desires
R plays an integral part in maintaining consensus order + solidarity
DURKHIEM on R The scared + the profane Totemism The collective conscience Cognitive functions of R
Key feature of R not the Essence of R could be found Sacred symbols represent R not only a source of social
©WORSLEY: notes no belief in God / supernatural by studying it in its simplest society’s collective solidarity but also our
Sharpe division between the but a distinction between the form – clan society (Arunta conscience intellectual/cognitive
sacred + profane possible sacred + profane Aboriginal Australian Tribe) - This is the shared norms capacities
explanation for small scale R - Sacred: set apart, forbidden - Bands of kin unite values belief + knowledge - R is the origin of concepts +
cannot be generalised inspired feelings of awe fear periodically to preform that make social life + co- categories we need to
+ wonder surrounded by rituals involving the worship operation between understand the world
© PM MESTROVIC: D ideas taboos + prohibitions of a sacred totem. individuals would + MAUSS: primitive classification R
cannot be applied to - Profane: no special - The totem is an emblem that disintegrate provides basic categories such as
contemporary soc as significance ordinary + symbolises the clan’s identity - Regular shared rituals time, space + causation hence it is the
increased diversity has mundane the shared totemic rituals reinforce TCC + maintain origin of human thought
fragmented TCC no longer a R is not never simply a set of venerating it serve to social integration
shared set of beliefs/ Value beliefs it involves the definite reinforce the groups participating in shared rituals
system for R to reinforce rituals or practices in relation solidarity + sense of binds individuals together
to the sacred they a belonging reminding them they are a
collective performed by - when clan members worship part of a single moral
social groups the totemic animal, they are community to which they
- In his view this thing can only in reality worshiping society owe their loyalty
be society itself since society even though themselves are R preforms important
is the only thing powerful not aware of the fact function for the individual
enough to command such - The totem inspires feeling of feeling part of something
feelings awe in the clans’ members greater than us
- When they worship the because it represents the reinvigorating + strengthens
sacred symbols therefore power of the group on which us to face life’s trials +
people are worshiping the individual is utterly motivates us to overcome
society itself dependent obstacles that would
otherwise defeat us
