RELIGION AS A CONSERVATIVE FORCE

FUNCTIONALISM- functions in a modern society

• SOCIALIZATION
• SOCIAL INTERGRATION
• CIVIL RELIGION (BELLAH)
• PREVENTING ANOMIE
• COMING TO TERMS WITH LIFE-CHANGING EVENTS

MARXISM- IDEOLOGICAL

• LEGITIMATING SOCIAL INEQUIALITY
• DISGUISING THE TRUE NATURE OF EXPLOITATION
• KEEPING THE WORKING CLASSES PASSIVE AND RESIGNED TO THEIR FAITH

• Based his work on a study of totenism amongst Australian Aborigines- totem represents the most elementary form of religion

• He defined religion in terms of a distinction between the sacred (holy) and profane(non-religious)
• Sacred people, objects and symbols are set apart from ordinary life...restricts them in some way.