Religion: Crash Course Sociology #39

Summary

This script explores religion's role as a social institution through sociological lenses. It delves into Emile Durkheim's definition of religion as a system of beliefs recognizing the sacred, and its functions in establishing social cohesion, control, and purpose. It contrasts this with conflict theory perspectives, which view religion as a tool for maintaining social stratification and inequalities. The summary also touches on the practical aspects of religion in the US, highlighting its decline in importance over time but enduring influence on society and culture.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Sociology studies religion as a social institution, not as a belief system or a discussion on the existence of God.
• 🤔 It explores the role of religion in society, such as its influence on social norms and its impact on social cohesiveness or inequality.
• 📚 Emile Durkheim defined religion in terms of the sacred and the profane, emphasizing a unified system of beliefs and practices recognizing the sacred.
• 🛐 Symbolic-Interactionism views religion through the lens of symbols, with rituals and objects symbolizing faith and sacredness.
• 👥 Religion fosters social cohesion by uniting people around shared beliefs, norms, and values, as per Durkheim's structural functionalism.
• 🚨 Religion can also serve as a form of social control, influencing behavior through divine commandments that align with societal norms.
• 🌟 It provides a sense of purpose, helping individuals see their lives as meaningful within a larger divine plan.
• 💔 Social Conflict Theory, however, sees religion as a force that can entrench existing inequalities, such as those identified by Karl Marx.
• 👩‍🎨 Feminist and race conflict theories highlight how religion can perpetuate gender and racial inequalities through its teachings and practices.
• 🏛 The practical organization of religions in society, such as Churches and sects, influences their integration and impact on social structures.
• 📊 Religion in the US is diverse and varies significantly across regions, classes, and racial and ethnic lines, impacting its societal influence.
• 📉 Despite a decline in religious importance, particularly among younger generations, religion continues to shape societal norms and culture.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of sociological study on religion?

The primary focus of sociological study on religion is to examine it as a social institution and its role in society, rather than on personal beliefs or the existence of a deity.

How does Emile Durkheim define religion?

Emile Durkheim defines religion not in terms of gods or supernatural phenomena, but in terms of the sacred—things that are set apart from society as extraordinary and deserving of reverence.

What is the difference between the sacred and the profane according to Durkheim?

The sacred refers to things that are set apart from society and inspire awe, deserving reverence, while the profane refers to the mundane, everyday parts of life.

How do religious rituals function as symbolic practices?

Religious rituals function as symbolic practices by using certain actions during prayer or ceremonies that symbolize deference to God or beliefs, such as making the sign of the cross in Catholicism or facing Mecca in Islam.

What role do totems play in religion?

Totems, such as the Cross or the Star of David, are objects collectively defined as sacred. They serve as visible indicators of faith and confer in-group membership to those who wear or use them.

What are the three major functions of religion that Emile Durkheim identified for the operation of society?

The three major functions of religion identified by Durkheim are: establishing social cohesion through shared symbols, norms, and values; serving as a form of social control by influencing behavior; and providing a sense of purpose in life by framing individual actions within a greater divine plan.

How does Social Conflict Theory view religion in terms of social stratification?

Social Conflict Theory views religion as an agent of social stratification that serves those in power by legitimizing the status quo and framing existing inequality as part of a divine plan.

What is the feminist perspective on the role of religion in gender inequality?

The feminist perspective sees religion as contributing to gender inequality by often being patriarchal, with religious texts describing men in the image of God and women in subordinate roles, and by using religious teachings to control women's behaviors.

How has religion been used to uphold racial inequality?

Religion has been used to uphold racial inequality by interpreting religious texts to justify slavery and racial discrimination, such as interpreting the story of Cain and Abel to mark certain races as sinful.

What is the difference between a 'Church' and a 'religious sect' in sociological terms?

A 'Church' in sociological terms refers to well-established religious faiths that are integrated into society, while a 'religious sect' refers to faiths with less formal belief systems and are less integrated into society, often attracting more disadvantaged followers.

What is the current trend regarding the importance of religion in the United States?

The current trend in the United States is a decline in the importance of religion, known as secularization, with younger Americans being more likely to report no religious affiliation compared to past generations.