Learning Objectives

• To consolidate and extend understanding of Durkheim’s theory of role of religion

• To explore further Functionalist ideas on the role of religion (and how these develop Durkheim)

• To examine life crisis and how religion can help people cope with these

Life Crises & Rites of PassageEach of these could be linked to life stages/changes in our lives that could damage social solidarity or bring ‘disruption’ to people’s lives.

For each, consider:• What the ‘ceremony’ is?• When will this happen in life?• What problems may be produced by that period of

life/event?• How can the ceremony/religion benefit those

concerned?

Can you think of any other ‘periods of uncertainty’ or times when we feel vulnerable…. that religion/religious rituals may help us with?

Where can religion/rituals bring us hope in our lives?

How can religion/rituals help bring control to our lives at these times?

Now let’s look at the ideas of ..

• Talcott Parsons• Bronislaw Malinowski

And the psychological functions of religion and how it prevents anomie!

By dealing with life crises religion prevents..

A: depressionB: anarchyC: anomieD: suicide

Malinowski notes how religion helps us psychologically by..

A: being a kind of counselling

B: making us feel loved

C: helping us to cope with situations that cause anxiety, uncertainty and stress

D: providing answers to eternal questions

Life crises are bad for society because..

A: they are potentially disruptive

B: they lead to depression

C: people lose faith

D: make us question who we are

The Trobriand Islanders had rituals surrounding uncertainty surrounding...

A: hunting

B: shopping

C: fishing

D: sex

In your own wordsOutline the key events in life that can bring disruption (rites of passage)Explain how these can disrupt our livesExplain which ceremonies help to cope …and how?What events can bring uncertainty and anxiety in life….explain how?How can a religion help with these?

Use Parsons and Malinsowski where possible