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Introduction to religion Read Online
15.1 The sociological approach to religion Read Online
Why do sociologists study religion? For centuries, humankind has sought to understand and explain the “meaning of life.” Many philosophers believe this contemplation and the desire to understand our place in the universe are what differentiate humankind from other species. Religion, in one form or another, has been found in all human societies since human societies first appeared. Archaeological digs have revealed ritual objects, ceremonial burial sites, and other religious artifacts. Social conflict and even wars often result from religious disputes. To understand a culture, sociologists must study its religion.
What is religion? Pioneer sociologist Émile Durkheim described it with the ethereal statement that it consists of “things that surpass the limits of our knowledge” (1915). He went on to elaborate: Religion is “a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say set apart and forbidden, beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community, called a church, all those who adhere to them” (1915). Some people associate religion with places of worship (a synagogue or church), others with a practice (confession or meditation), and still others with a concept that guides their daily lives (like dharma or sin). All these people can agree that religion is a system of beliefs, values, and practices concerning what a person holds sacred or considers to be spiritually significant.
Does religion bring fear, wonder, relief, explanation of the unknown or control over freedom and choice? How do our religious perspectives affect our behavior? These are questions sociologists ask and are reasons they study religion. What are peoples' conceptions of the profane and the sacred? How do religious ideas affect the real-world reactions and choices of people in a society?
Religion can also serve as a filter for examining other issues in society and other components of a culture. For example, after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, it became important for teachers, church leaders, and the media to educate Americans about Islam to prevent stereotyping and to promote religious tolerance. Sociological tools and methods, such as surveys, polls, interviews, and analysis of historical data, can be applied to the study of religion in a culture to help us better understand the role religion plays in people’s lives and the way it influences society.
Durkheim, Émile. 1947 [1915]. The Elementary Forms of Religious Life , translated by J. Swain. Glencoe, IL: Free Press.
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Choices:
describes when students teach their peers
refers to the learning of cultural norms
only takes place at home
relies on a planned instructional process
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Choices:
access to education
average spending on students
desegregation of schools
teacher salary
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Choices:
cultural innovation
social control
social placement
socialization
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Choices:
Hidden curriculum
Labeling
Self-fulfilling prophecy
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Choices:
They are all in Asia.
They recruit top teachers.
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They use cutting-edge technology in classrooms.
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Choices:
families
society
the individual
all of the above
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Choices:
Conflict theory
Feminist theory
Functionalist theory
Symbolic interactionism
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Choices:
Conflict theory
Feminist theory
Functionalist theory
Symbolic interactionism
Question: What are the major factors affecting education systems throughout the world?
Choices:
Resources and money
Student interest
Teacher interest
Transportation
Question: Learning from classmates that most students buy lunch on Fridays is an example of ________.
Choices:
cultural transmission
educational access
formal education
informal education
Question: Which of the following is not a manifest function of education?
Choices:
Cultural innovation
Courtship
Social placement
Socialization
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