Summary: Sociology Of Religion Class Notes

Read the summary and the most important questions on Sociology of religion Class notes

• College 1: Sociology of religion as a science

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• Why is it important to answer the question 'what is religion?'

  Because with the answer to that question you can define your subject of study. This subject is changing, so with he answer to that question you can also define if the changing phenomena are still religious.

• What are the three types of definitions?

  1. A substantive definition, it describes what religion is.
  2. A functional definition, it describes what religion does to people.
  3. A symbolic definition, it describes religion as a system of culteral symbols.

• What is the fourth type of definition that is nowadays often used in the sociology of religion?

  The polythetic definition. It characterizes religion with the help of a list of characteristics, dimensions or aspects of religion. Example: Ninian Smart's 9 dimensions.

• What is the problem with substantive definitions? Name 3 critique points.

  1. It is said to be ethnocentric, it is based on Western view.
  2. The definitions become vague and meaningless, a king or an inspiring person can also be seen as a 'sacred thing'.
  3. It refer's especially to traditional forms of religion.

• What is the problem with functional definitions? Name 3 critique points.

  1. It is said to be ethnocentric, it is based on Western view.
  2. It is circular.
  3. It is meta-empirical, it cannot be tested.

• What is the problem with symbolic definitions? Name 2 critique points.

  1. It is a functional definition with substantive elements.
     
  2. It is very formal and can therefore hardly be used in quantitative research.

• What is the difference between religion and magic?

  With magic, the relationship with the transcendental has instrumental value, the use of it aims for e specific goals. It manipulates the world. Mischief is the result of a ritual incorrectly performed.

  In religion, the relationship with the transcendental has intrinsic value. It worships. Mischief is the result of sin or an incorrect relationship with the God (you are not aligned with the God).

• Name 3 specific areas that are studied in the sociology of religion and one example for each.

  1. The formation, maintenance and demise of religious groups and institutions.
  2. The behaviour of individuals within religious groups and institutions.
  3. The conflicts between religious groups.

  
  

  1. What are the social causes and consequences of religious disaffiliation?
  2. What is the social profile of people who become in new religious movements?
  3. Why do sectarian groups brake away from existing religious communities?

• College 2: Karl Marx' Conflict Theory and Emile Durkheim's Functional Theory

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• Name 2 anthropologists who followed Durkheim in his emphasis on the social integrative function on religion.

  1. Malinowski.
  2. Radcliffe-Brown.

• Name the four functions of religion and define the two individual functions and the two social functions.

  1. Meaning function (individual)
  2. Belonging and identity function (individual)
  3. Cultural function (social)
  4. Structural function (social)