Is religion a conservative force?

Durkheim (1912):
Religion is important function for society.
Religion binds people together. (Social Cement)
First person to study totemism.
Profane: Everything in our ordinary lives.
Sacred: Evoke strong emotions of awe and respect.
" Primitive man comes to view society as something sacred because he is utterly dependent on it".(God=society)
Religion provides a set of moral values which ensures social stability.
Regular collective worship+ Shared ritual= Crucial for society survival.
Reinforces social solidarity
People are repeatedly re-affirming their support for the shared values and beliefs.
When these values are made 'Sacred', we are more likely to abide them.
Religion= Secondary Socialisation.
Shared ritualised experiences= awareness the as individuals, they are insignificant and dependent but together we are strong.
Parsons: Religion plays a more important role in society than ever before. He argued that while religious institutions no-longer have a direct influence over education and politics, their indirect is still relatively strong and we still respect the sacred values and religion is now used as a form of spiritual and moral support and guidance.
Criticisms:
Durkheim only studies the Native Americans and Aboriginals (Small-Scale society). He seems to forget about the study of mass religions…

Get Revising