Functionalism
Applying material from item A, analyse two functions of religion put forward by functionalist
sociologists.
As stated in item A, religions help with “maintaining social solidarity” which is Durkheim’s
functionalist theory. Social solidarity refers to a sense of belonging or a feeling of
community. For example, Eid- Al Fitr helps to maintain social solidarity by coming together,
supporting each other through the fast and celebrating together afterwards. Muslims feel a
sense of belonging through these celebrations. During the pandemic, religion has continued
to unite people through online platforms such as Facebook, services are streamed online to
give people a sense of belonging when they can’t meet face to face. However, religion can
cause divisions and not promote social integration. For example, in Islam, Sunni and Shia
don’t agree with each other which has led to conflict between the two groups.
A second way mentioned in the item, “religion can perform psychological functions” such as
“easing stress.” Malinowski argues religion helps to cope with emotional stress. For
example, funerals offer loved ones to Mourne the loss of someone and provide comfort,
reinforcing social solidarity. The Trobriand islanders performed rituals before the fisherman
went out to sea. Those rituals help the islanders psychologically by reducing stress and give
a sense of control that their fisherman will be protected. Malinowski study is still relevant
today, with people turning to religion during the coronavirus pandemic to reduce the stress
and let them feel reassured that they will get through this.
Feminism
Applying material from item A, analyse two ways in which religion could be seen as
oppressive of women.
One way in which religion could be seen as oppressive to women is through the “lack of
female leaders." According to feminist’s religion is patriarchal. Women face a stained-glass
ceiling which acts as an invisible barrier to leadership positions in religion. The stained-glass
ceiling demonstrates how religion can be oppressive of women, as it keeps women
subordinate to men, women remain in an inferior position, pushed down by males. Most
religious leaders are male, whilst most followers are female. This keeps patriarchy because
all the prestigious roles are taken by men, so women have less authority and power to make
decisions or change anything in society. For example, In Islam women generally cannot be
imams. In the Roman Catholic Church women traditionally cannot be priests or bishops.
However, women are beginning to break through the stained-glass ceiling. For example, in
2014 Libby Lane became the first woman Bishop of the Church of England.
Applying material from item A, analyse two functions of religion put forward by functionalist
sociologists.
As stated in item A, religions help with “maintaining social solidarity” which is Durkheim’s
functionalist theory. Social solidarity refers to a sense of belonging or a feeling of
community. For example, Eid- Al Fitr helps to maintain social solidarity by coming together,
supporting each other through the fast and celebrating together afterwards. Muslims feel a
sense of belonging through these celebrations. During the pandemic, religion has continued
to unite people through online platforms such as Facebook, services are streamed online to
give people a sense of belonging when they can’t meet face to face. However, religion can
cause divisions and not promote social integration. For example, in Islam, Sunni and Shia
don’t agree with each other which has led to conflict between the two groups.
A second way mentioned in the item, “religion can perform psychological functions” such as
“easing stress.” Malinowski argues religion helps to cope with emotional stress. For
example, funerals offer loved ones to Mourne the loss of someone and provide comfort,
reinforcing social solidarity. The Trobriand islanders performed rituals before the fisherman
went out to sea. Those rituals help the islanders psychologically by reducing stress and give
a sense of control that their fisherman will be protected. Malinowski study is still relevant
today, with people turning to religion during the coronavirus pandemic to reduce the stress
and let them feel reassured that they will get through this.
Feminism
Applying material from item A, analyse two ways in which religion could be seen as
oppressive of women.
One way in which religion could be seen as oppressive to women is through the “lack of
female leaders." According to feminist’s religion is patriarchal. Women face a stained-glass
ceiling which acts as an invisible barrier to leadership positions in religion. The stained-glass
ceiling demonstrates how religion can be oppressive of women, as it keeps women
subordinate to men, women remain in an inferior position, pushed down by males. Most
religious leaders are male, whilst most followers are female. This keeps patriarchy because
all the prestigious roles are taken by men, so women have less authority and power to make
decisions or change anything in society. For example, In Islam women generally cannot be
imams. In the Roman Catholic Church women traditionally cannot be priests or bishops.
However, women are beginning to break through the stained-glass ceiling. For example, in
2014 Libby Lane became the first woman Bishop of the Church of England.
