Download Chapter 19 - Sociology

Chapter 19 G.O.
pgs 492-498
Religion: Basic
Concepts
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date 3.
period
Functions of
Religions – Structural
Functional
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Critical Review:
3.
A Muslim Leader in
Brooklyn
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Religion & Sociology
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Constructing the
Sacred: SymbolicInteraction
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Critical Review:
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Inequality and
Religion: SocialConflict
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Critical Review:
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Religion and
Patriarchy
Liberation Theology
The sacred symbols I
remember seeing
after the tragic event
of (9/11, Hurricane
Katrina, the Virginia
Tech Shootings) are
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Max Weber:
Protestantism and
Capitalism
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An example of a
society using the idea
of “converting
heathens” to justify
controlling another
society would be
Chapter 19
Religion
Religion: Basic Concepts
Religion is a social institution involving beliefs
and practices based upon a conception of the
sacred.
According to Durkheim, the sacred is that which
is defined as extraordinary, inspiring a sense of
awe, reverence, and even fear.
In contrast, the profane consists of
ordinary elements of everyday life.
Religions involve ritual,
formal ceremonial
behavior
Religion and
Sociology
Sociology can investigate the social consequences
of religious activity, but can never assess the
validity of any religious doctrine because religion
involves faith, belief anchored in conviction
rather than scientific evidence.
Sociologists study religion to better understand
religions around the world.
They try to figure out how religion is tied to other
social institutions.
Functions of Religions
Structural Functional
Durkheim understood religion as the
symbolic celebration of the power of
society over the individual.
Members of technologically simple
societies transform certain everyday
objects into totems, objects in the
natural world collectively defined as
sacred.
Dzi Beads
Tibet
Durkheim noted three major functions of
religion for the operation of a society:
- Social cohesion.
- Social control.
- Providing meaning and purpose.
Critical review.
This approach downplays the dysfunctional
consequences of religion; especially the fact
that strongly held beliefs can generate social
conflict.
Open your books and read page 494
A Muslim Leader in Brooklyn
Constructing the sacred:
Symbolic-interaction analysis.
Peter Berger argues that religion places life in a
“cosmic frame of reference.”
Celebrating religious holidays helps people
understand the difference between the sacred
and the profane.
Religion makes marriages stronger due to the
religious connection between people
Critical review.
This approach pays little attention to religion’s
link with inequality.
Inequality and religion:
Social-conflict analysis
Marx noted that religion tends to legitimize
inequality and the status quo. It also endorses
patriarchy.
The British monarch is the head of the Church of
England. This illustrates the close ties between
religious and political elites.
Virtually all major religions are patriarchical linking
gender to religion as well.
Critical review. This approach ignores religion’s
ability to promote change and social equality.
Open your book and read page 496.
Religion and Patriarchy
Max Weber:
Protestantism and Capitalism
Max Weber’s Protestant ethic thesis is an
important example of how religion can
promote social change, in this instance the
growth of capitalism.
John Calvin preached the doctrine of
predestination – followers were anxious about
their fate and worked hard to amass great
wealth
This led to the rise of industrial capitalism.
Liberation theology
Liberation theology is a fusion of Christian
principles with political activism, often Marxist
in character. It has been important in much of
Latin America.
Social oppression runs against the principles of
Christian morals.
The attempt is to improve conditions for the
poor and oppressed.
The sacred symbols I remember seeing after
the tragic event of (9/11, Hurricane Katrina,
the Virginia Tech Shootings) are
An example of a society using the idea of
“converting heathens” to justify controlling
another society would be