Discuss the functionalist perspectives on religion
What will be an ideal response?
The following are suggested areas for students to address in their essays:
State the functionalist perspective on religion
Describe the three elements (beliefs, practices, and moral community) shared by all
religions according to sociologist Emile Durkheim
Discuss the religious function of meaning and purpose
Discuss the religious function of social cohesion and a sense of belonging
Discuss the religious function of social control and support for the government
Explain civil religion and provide an example
Encourage students to include any personal viewpoints on the functionalist perspectives on
religion in their responses
You might also like to view...
A relatively recent term that points to the complexities of understanding the concept of age is "emerging adulthood." Emerging adulthood can best be understood as
a. the transition from working life to retired life. b. the period of time from late adolescence until one's early to mid 20s. c. the transition from early to late adolescence. d. the period of time during which one's children leave home resulting in an "empty nest."
Which theory attempts to explain the social importance of race?
A. Racial absolution B. Racial stratification C. Racial formation D. Racial magnification
Which of the following is only a limited characteristic of hunting and gathering societies?
a. individual survival was subordinate to that of the group. b. food supplies were limited by availability. c. warfare was frequent. d. there was some development of permanent settlements.
The “expansion of morbidity” describes how __________
A) as people are living longer, they are spending more time in bad health B) more and more people are dying due to violence and disease C) cultures around the world are increasingly obsessed with death D) cemeteries have run out of room for the dead