Functionalist Theories and Religious Definitions

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  • Created by: ljubb23
  • Created on: 01-10-21 09:15
What are the 3 definitions of religion?
1. Substantive
2. Functional
3. Constructionist
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What are Substantive Definitions?
These attempt to explain what religion actually is.
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What are Functional Definitions?
Define religion in terms of its uses and purposes for individuals and societies.
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What are Constructionist Definitions?
Define religion by focussing on how members of society define religion themselves. Religion is a social construct.
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Durkheim's Opinion on Sacred Items?
The items vary but they all perform the essential function of uniting believers into a single moral community.
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Durkheim's Theory of Totemism?
Clans worship a Totem pole with rituals and he believes the belonging that comes with this reflects the power of the group on which the members are dependent.
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Durkheim's Theory of The Collective Conscience?
Without the collective conscience, society would disintegrate. Shared religious rituals reinforce this by binding people together.
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Durkheim's Theory of Cognitive Functions of Religion?
Religion created the concepts we need for understanding the world and communicating.
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Worsley's Criticism of Totemism?
There is no division between the sacred and the profane and Durkheim's theory of Totemism doesn't prove be has discovered the essence of all other religions.
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Social integration criticism?
Is more appropriate for small-scale societies not for large scale. Durkheim's theory may show social integration within communities but not between them.
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Postmodernist Criticism of Durkheim?
His ideas don't apply to contemporary society and there isn't a shared value system for religion to inforce.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What are Substantive Definitions?

Back

These attempt to explain what religion actually is.

Card 3

Front

What are Functional Definitions?

Back

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Card 4

Front

What are Constructionist Definitions?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Durkheim's Opinion on Sacred Items?

Back

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Comments

Varmethe1951

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