ovde - vera znanje mir

the extinction of religion in modern industrial society
o Parsons has argued that it's more a case of religion losing some of
it's previous functions but retaining & specialising in a reduced
range of social functions
o Religion can be seen to have a role in the future, continuing to
provide a set of core moral values
Marxism
o Clear & definite view of what was likely to happen
o Convinced that the role of religion as a means of defence of ruling
class interests
o Once the ruling class had been moved & a socialist society
introduced then the need for religion would disappear
o Religion no longer having any social purpose - will wither and die
Differences
o Functionalistssay it brings society closer
Marxists say it keeps them apart due to w/c exploitation
o Functionalistsbelieve rituals are important to reinforce social
solidarity
Marxists say it's just a money making scheme
Role of religion in society
Functionalism
o Religion forms part of the value consensus in society
o Religion operates for the general good in society
o Religion benefits individuals as well
o DURKHEIM: reinforces the 'collective conscience', sacred power gives
credibility to common values, duties & obligations; it's a source of
social cohesion & integration; binds individuals together
o MALINOWSKI: a source of support & directions as
individuals/societies tried to cope with life-threatening events. Many
are beyond human control so they focus on the supernatural explanation
o PARSONS: establishes general moral guidelines & is part of the
process of socialising individuals into understanding & accepting the
pattern of norms within a culture
Marxism
o Religion acts in the interests of ruling class
o Religion is an 'opiate' dulling the pain of oppression in an
exploitive society