In: Psychology
In at least six sentences, thoroughly explain how each sociological perspective, functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism perceives religion. Provide ample details and/or your own examples to support your explanation well.
Thoroughly explain how each
sociological perspective, functionalism, conflict theory, and
symbolic interactionism perceives religion:
(A)Sociological perspective: In terms of Sociological
perspectives, theorist Émile Durkheim defined religion as a
“unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things”
(1915). Max Weber believed religion could be a force for social
change.
Example: Religion has historically been an impetus to social change. The translation of sacred texts into everyday, non-scholarly language empowered people to shape their religions. Disagreements between religious groups and instances of religious persecution have led to wars and genocides.
(B)Functionalism: According to Functionalism, religion acts as a conservative force by reinforcing social norms and promoting social solidarity.
Example: One can observe solidarity & unity among the followers of a religion.
(C)Conflict theory: Conflict theorists view religion as an institution that helps maintain patterns of social inequality. According to this perspective, religion has been used to support the “divine right” of oppressive monarchs and to justify unequal social structures.
Karl Marx viewed religion as a tool used by capitalist societies to perpetuate inequality.
Example: A businessman can create inequality in society by promoting as well as offering jobs to the employees of his religion.
(D)Symbolic interactionism: Symbolic interactionism studies the ways in which people practice their faith and interact in houses of worship and other religious settings, and they study how and why religious faith and practice have positive consequences for individual psychological and physical well-being.
Example: Religious symbols indicate the value of the symbolic interactionist approach.
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