Topic 1- Theories of religion
What is religion?
Substantive definition Functional Definitions Constructionist definitions
These focus on the content or Functionalists define it in terms of Take an interpretivist approach, they
substance of religious belief, such the social functions it performs for argue that it is not possible to
as belief of God. For example an individual or society. For produce a single universal definition
Weber defines religion as a belief in example, Durkheim defines of religion to cover all cases, since in
a superior or supernatural power religion in terms of the contribution reality different groups mean very
that is above nature and cannot be it makes to social integration, different things by ‘religion’. Social
scientifically explained. Additionally rather than a specific belief in God. constructionists are interested in how
substantive definitions are Additionally functional definitions definitions of religion are
exclusive; meaning they draw a are inclusive which give it an constructed, challenged and fought
clear line between religious and advantage;allowing us to include a over. For example, Aldridge, shows
non-religious beliefs. However, wide range of beliefs and practices how for its followers scientology is a
defining in this way leaves no room that perform a primary function of religion, whereas government
for beliefs and practices that integration. However, just because agencies have banned it. However,
perform similar function but do not an institution helps integrate people may have widely different
involve the belief in a God. individuals into groups, this does views about what counts as a
not make it a religion. For religion.
example, football fans.
Functionalist, Marxist and Feminist theories of religion
Functionalist Marxist Feminist
Durkheim Point Feminist Theories of Religion
Point Marxists view religion as a tool of Feminist theories argue that religion
ideology used by the ruling class to perpetuates patriarchy and
Emile Durkheim, a pioneering perpetuate their dominance and legitimizes female subordination
functionalist, believed that religious justify the exploitation of the working through religious practices, doctrines,
institutions play a central role in class. and structures.
creating and maintaining value
consensus, social order, and solidarity. Example Point
His work emphasized the distinction
between the sacred and the profane, Marx argued that religion operates Feminists view religion as a
which he considered the key feature of as an ideological weapon by patriarchal institution that reinforces
religion. distorting reality to serve the male dominance and subjugates
interests of the ruling class. For women.
Example example, Christianity teaches that "it
, is easier for a camel to pass through Example
the eye of a needle than for a rich
man to enter the kingdom of Karen Armstrong (1993) notes that
Durkheim's study of the Arunta, an heaven," promoting the idea that the
Aboriginal Australian tribe, exemplifies religious organizations are often
poor should accept their suffering as male-dominated, such as Orthodox
his theory. The Arunta clans worship a virtuous and inevitable. Similarly,
sacred totem, which serves as the Judaism and Catholicism forbidding
Lenin described religion as "spiritual women to become priests. Jean
clan's emblem and symbolizes the gin," an intoxicant used by the ruling
group's origins and identity. Through Holm (2001) points out that many
class to keep the masses subdued religious practices devalue women,
collective rituals venerating the totem, and confused.
clan members reinforce their social like the prohibition on menstruating
bonds and sense of belonging. women touching the Qur'an in Islam.
Explanation
Explanation Explanation
In Marx’s view, the ruling class
controls not only the means of These practices maintain patriarchal
According to Durkheim, the sacred material production but also the
objects and rituals symbolize the structures by limiting women's roles
production of ideas, including and reinforcing negative stereotypes.
collective conscience of society—the religious beliefs. This control
shared norms, values, and beliefs that Sacred texts often portray women
enables them to use religion to negatively, like Eve in Genesis.
enable social life and cooperation. By legitimate their power and privilege.
participating in religious rituals, Religious laws often enforce gender
Religion, according to Marx, creates inequalities, such as restrictions on
individuals are reminded of their a false consciousness among the
connection to a larger moral women's rights in marriage and
working class, preventing them from divorce.
community and the power of society. recognizing their exploitation and
This reinforces social integration and acting to change their situation. The
gives individuals a sense of purpose promise of an afterlife and the
Evaluation
and motivation to face life's portrayal of suffering as virtuous
challenges. Additionally, Durkheim However, some feminists highlight
serve to pacify the oppressed,
argued that religion is foundational to the empowering aspects of religion.
ensuring they remain passive and
human cognitive capacities, as it Nawal El Saadawi (1980) argues that
compliant.
provides the basic categories needed patriarchy, not religion itself, is the
for reasoning and understanding the Religion also legitimizes the power source of women's oppression. Linda
world. of the ruling class by making their Woodhead (2009) discusses
dominance appear divinely 'religious forms of feminism,' like
Evaluation ordained. For instance, the Divine Muslim women using the hijab for
Right of Kings in the 16th century greater public freedom. Sophie
However, Durkheim's theory faces claimed that monarchs were God's Gilliat-Ray (2010) found that young
several criticisms. Worsley (1956) representatives on Earth, British Muslim women wear the hijab
challenges the validity of Durkheim's demanding absolute obedience and to gain parental approval for
evidence on totemism, noting that framing disobedience as both a legal education and employment.
there is no clear distinction between and a sinful offense.
the sacred and the profane in some Elisabeth Brusco (1995, 2012) shows
societies and that different clans can that Pentecostal women in Colombia
Evaluation gain power by using religious beliefs
share the same totems. Furthermore,
even if Durkheim's findings about to challenge male behavior. Rachel
However, Marx's theory has been Rinaldo (2010) notes that 'piety
totemism are correct, it does not criticized for several reasons. First,
necessarily mean he has identified the movements' allow women to
he overlooks the positive functions advance their interests within
essence of all religions. These of religion, such as providing
criticisms suggest that while conservative religious frameworks.
psychological comfort and helping Liberal religious organizations, such
Durkheim's theory offers valuable
