Beliefs Theory Functionalism Marxism

Religion strengthens and reinforces social norms and values, it acts like ‘social glue’.

• Functionalist

• Marxist

• Functionalist and Marxist

Religion is the opium of the people

• Functionalist

• Marxist

• Functionalist and Marxist

Religion contributes to social stability and shows that everyone is bound by the same norms, values and morals.

• Functionalist

• Marxist

• Functionalist and Marxist

Religion smooths over people’s difficulties

• Functionalist

• Marxist

• Functionalist and Marxist

Religious ceremonies bind people together and bind them to society.

• Functionalist

• Marxist

• Functionalist and Marxist

Religion covers up the real injustices of social life by encouraging people to focus on the ‘hereafter’, instead of their present condition.

• Functionalist

• Marxist

• Functionalist and Marxist

People are not really worshipping a God.  Religion is created by society

• Functionalist

• Marxist

• Functionalist and Marxist

Religious belief helps to keep the dominant class in control by promoting the idea that society was divinely ordered.  It legitimates the power and material advantage enjoyed by the dominant groups and rulers of society:  rulers promote that myth that their position is given by God.

• Functionalist

• Marxist

• Functionalist and Marxist

His study of Australian Aboriginies and totemism showed how the totem (or symbol) of the clan is considered sacred and special and is a way of expressing how important their society is to them.

• Functionalist

• Marxist

• Functionalist and Marxist

Religion removes potentially revolutionary thoughts and actions by focussing attention on the next world, making false promises about it and encouraging them into putting up with the situation as it is by offering comfort and solace for the troubles in this world.

• Functionalist

• Marxist

• Functionalist and Marxist