Rational choice theory (RCT) is one way social scientists have attempted to explain these behaviors. Critics of RCT argue that it doesn’t fit well with human spiritual needs, and many sociologists disagree that the costs and rewards of religion can even be meaningfully measured or that individuals use a rational balancing process regarding religious affiliation. The study of religion emerged as a formal discipline during the 19th century, when the methods and approaches of history, philology, literary criticism, psychology, anthropology, sociology, economics, and other fields were brought to bear on the task of determining the history, origins, and functions of religion. The traditional focuses of sociology have included social stratification, social class, culture, social mobility, religion, secularization, law, and deviance. During times of recession, these service jobs may be the only employment possible for younger individuals or those with low-level skills. A standard definition of religion in sociology is that it is: A set of general explanations about existence which includes the supernatural. Employees also seek autonomy and fulfillment in their jobs, not just wages. Karl Marx viewed religion as a tool used by capitalist societies to perpetuate inequality. Sociology in general looks at people’s dynamics and explains a group’s influence. For Durkheim, religion was a force for cohesion that helped bind the members of society to the group, while Weber believed religion could be understood as something separate from society. Subject:Sociology Paper: Religion and society. Religion and ‘The Study of Religions’ has many approaches which try to investigate the core of what religion is and what it means to the people who practice it. Religion could not be understood apart from the capitalist society that perpetuated inequality. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge. Today, the work ethic of the modern workforce has been transformed, as more thinking and decision making is required. The Sociological Approach to ReligionReligion describes the beliefs, values, and practices related to sacred or spiritual concerns. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc. Marx, Karl. 2002 [1905]. Religious rituals are behaviors or practices that are either required or expected of the members of a particular group, such as bar mitzvah or confession of sins (Barkan and Greenwood 2003). New York: Penguin. For example, it helps answer questions like, “How was the world created?” “Why do we suffer?” “Is there a plan for our lives?” and “Is there an afterlife?” As another function, religion provides emotional comfort in times of crisis. 1975. In fact his ideas later contributed to the formation of sociological theory of religion. Social theorist Émile Durkheim defined religion as a “unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things” (1915). By applying the methods of natural science to the study of society, Durkheim held that the source of religion and morality is the collective mind-set of society and that the cohesive bonds of social order result from common values in a society. It then addresses some methodological issues that are crucial for approaches that focus on social action, be it in the internal or the external arena. Another illustration of religious beliefs is the creation stories we find in different religions. How does one pick a church or decide which denomination “fits” best? In this framework, RCT also explains the development and decline of churches, denominations, sects, and even cults; this limited part of the very complex RCT theory is the only aspect well supported by research data. https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-2e/pages/1-introduction-to-sociology, https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-2e/pages/15-1-the-sociological-approach-to-religion, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. The Star of David in Judaism, the cross in Christianity, and the crescent and star in Islam are examples of sacred symbols. Feminist theorists focus on gender inequality and promote leadership roles for women in religion. Originally published in 2004, New Approaches are now available as paperback for classroom use. Fasching, Darrel, and Dell deChant. In studying religion, sociologists distinguish between what they term the experience, beliefs, and rituals of a religion. OpenStax is part of Rice University, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. They are considered replaceable commodities as opposed to valued employees. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press. During times of recession, these service jobs may be the only employment possible for younger individuals or those with low-level skills. Finally, religion promotes social control: It reinforces social norms such as appropriate styles of dress, following the law, and regulating sexual behavior. Weber noted that certain kinds of Protestantism supported the pursuit of material gain by motivating believers to work hard, be successful, and not spend their profits on frivolous things. We recommend using a covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may Religious experience refers to the conviction or sensation that we are connected to “the divine.” This type of communion might be experienced when people are pray or meditate. If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a print format, For example, the Vatican has a tremendous amount of wealth, while the average income of Catholic parishioners is small. A few religions and religious denominations are more gender equal, but male dominance remains the norm of most. RCT proposes that, in a pluralistic society with many religious options, religious organizations will compete for members, and people will choose between different churches or denominations in much the same way they select other consumer goods, balancing costs and rewards in a rational manner. Many of the chapters, however, are also pathbreaking and point the way to future approaches. This objective investigation may include the use of both quantitative methods (surveys, polls, demographic and census analysis) and qualitative approaches such as participant observation, interviewing, and analysis of … To him, sacred meant extraordinary—something that inspired wonder and that seemed connected to the concept of “the divine.” Durkheim argued that “religion happens” in society when there is a separation between the profane (ordinary life) and the sacred (1915). 15.1. Rising from the concept that our world is socially constructed, symbolic interactionism studies the symbols and interactions of everyday life. Contribution to Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right. First, from theseventeenth to the nineteenth century, the perspective of whiteEuropean males dominated the formative period of philosophy ofreligion to such an extent that it was hard to see how the distortionsof this long tradition might be overcome. Religion describes the beliefs, values, and practices related to sacred or spiritual concerns. Social scientists recognize that religion exists as an organized and integrated set of beliefs, behaviors, and norms centered on basic social needs and values. But if someone makes it into a headstone, or another person uses it for landscaping, it takes on different meanings—one sacred, one profane. Read British historian Niall Ferguson’s view at http://openstaxcollege.org/l/Protestant_work_ethic. Max Weber (1904) posited that, in Europe in his time, Protestants were more likely than Catholics to value capitalist ideology, and believed in hard work and savings. Durkheim is generally considered the first sociologist who analyzed religion in terms of its societal impact. Because interactionists study one-on-one, everyday interactions between individuals, a scholar using this approach might ask questions focused on this dynamic. The theory doesn’t address many aspects of religion that individuals may consider essential (such as faith) and further fails to account for agnostics and atheists who don’t seem to have a similar need for religious explanations. The theory proposes that people are self-interested, though not necessarily selfish, and that people make rational choices—choices that can reasonably be expected to maximize positive outcomes while minimizing negative outcomes. Common sense vs. sociological approach Outcome 3 PC (a) • Examine why we study sociology using notion of ‘the sociological imagination’. In his writing The Protestant Work Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (1905), he contends that the Protestant work ethic influenced the development of capitalism. 1947 [1915]. The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. Despite differences, there are common elements in a ceremony marking a person’s death, such as announcement of the death, care of the deceased, disposition, and ceremony or ritual. 1973 [1844]. Whereas Durkheim saw religion as a source of social stability, German sociologist and political economist Max Weber (1864–1920) believed it was a precipitator of social change. The work ethic in the information age has been affected by tremendous cultural and social change, just as workers in the mid- to late nineteenth century were influenced by the wake of the Industrial Revolution. The Immanent Frame is a forum for the exchange of ideas about religion, secularism, and society by leading thinkers in the social sciences and humanities. How does one pick a church or decide which denomination “fits” best? Moreover, religion is a cultural universal found in all social groups. Modern-day sociologists often apply one of three major theoretical perspectives. Glencoe, IL: Free Press. Functionalists believe religion meets many important needs for people, including group cohesion and companionship. On an extreme level, the Inquisition, the Salem witch trials, and anti-Semitism are all examples of this dynamic. Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 license. The theory proposes that people are self-interested, though not necessarily selfish, and that people make rational choices—choices that can reasonably be expected to maximize positive outcomes while minimizing negative outcomes. Functionalism, conflict theory, and interactionism all provide valuable ways for sociologists to understand religion. A scientific explanation for why something occurs can’t reasonably be supported by the fact that it does occur. From this perspective, religion serves several purposes, like providing answers to spiritual mysteries, offering emotional comfort, and creating a place for social interaction and social control. Religious beliefs are specific ideas members of a particular faith hold to be true, such as that Jesus Christ was the son of God, or that reincarnation exists. For example, the Vatican has a tremendous amount of wealth, while the average income of Catholic parishioners is small. He showed that Protestant values directly influenced the rise of capitalism and helped create the modern world order. • Examine conflict. Whereas Durkheim saw religion as a source of social stability, German sociologist and political economist Max Weber (1864–1920) believed it was a precipitator of social change. • Examine the special nature of sociological study. In fact, scholars have found little merit to his contention when applied to modern society (Greeley 1989). Throughout history, and in societies across the world, leaders have used religious narratives, symbols, and traditions in an attempt to give more meaning to life and understand the universe. After a clarification of the concept of society, it examines whether we can meaningfully speak of a ‘world society’. It provides social support and social networking and offers a place to meet others who hold similar values and a place to seek help (spiritual and material) in times of need. Nevertheless, the sociological approach to the study of religion has great rewards. Social theorist Émile Durkheim defined religion as a “unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things” (1915). Religious explanations of these concepts are presumed to be more satisfactory than scientific explanations, which may help to account for the continuation of strong religious connectedness in countries such as the United States, despite predictions of some competing theories for a great decline in religious affiliation due to modernization and religious pluralism. Let’s explore how scholars applying these paradigms understand religion. Translated by George Simpson. Religious experience refers to the conviction or sensation that we are connected to “the divine.” This type of communion might be experienced when people are pray or meditate. Religious beliefs are specific ideas members of a particular faith hold to be true, such as that Jesus Christ was the son of God, or that reincarnation exists. (The modern use of “work ethic” comes directly from Weber’s Protestant ethic, although it has now lost its religious connotations.). It provides social support and social networking and offers a place to meet others who hold similar values and a place to seek help (spiritual and material) in times of need. 1993. Sociological Theories of Religion The ideas of three early sociological theorists continue to strongly influence the sociology of religion: Durkheim, Weber, and Marx. Sociology of Religion is the study of the beliefs, practices and organizational forms of religion using the tools and methods of the discipline of sociology. The interaction between religious leaders and practitioners, the role of religion in the ordinary components of everyday life, and the ways people express religious values in social interactions—all might be topics of study to an interactionist. They are among the founding thinkers of modern sociology. Rewards are the intangible benefits in terms of belief and satisfactory explanations about life, death, and the supernatural, as well as social rewards from membership. By this reasoning, even if traditional religion disappeared, society wouldn’t necessarily dissolve. Moreover, it can foster group cohesion and integration. They are among the founding thinkers of modern sociology. The feminist perspective is a conflict theory view that focuses specifically on gender inequality. In the chapter, “Sociological Approaches”, … Modern-day sociologists often apply one of three major theoretical perspectives. A few religions and religious denominations are more gender equal, but male dominance remains the norm of most. Ritzer, George. This article is organized around the following points. The Sociological Approach to Religion From the Latin religio (respect for what is sacred) and religare (to bind, in the sense of an obligation), the term religion describes various systems of belief and practice concerning what people determine to be sacred or spiritual (Fasching and deChant 2001; Durkheim 1915). Throughout history, and in societies across the world, leaders have used religious narratives, symbols, and traditions in an attempt to give more meaning to life and understand the universe. For more discussion on the study of sociology and religion, check out the following blog: http://openstaxcollege.org/l/immanent_frame/. Moreover, religion is a cultural universal found in all social groups. He contended that these values need to be maintained to maintain social stability. then you must include on every physical page the following attribution: If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a digital format, The sociological approach to the study of religion is unique in itself. On an extreme level, the Inquisition, the Salem witch trials, and anti-Semitism are all examples of this dynamic. His century-old claim that the Protestant work ethic led to the development of capitalism has been one of the most important and controversial topics in the sociology of religion. In terms of religion, feminist theorists assert that, although women are typically the ones to socialize children into a religion, they have traditionally held very few positions of power within religions. To date, a much larger literature exists under the rubric of feministtheology than of feminist philosophy of religion. Functionalists contend that religion serves several functions in society. He believed religion reflects the social stratification of society and that it maintains inequality and perpetuates the status quo. In jobs where roles and tasks are highly prescribed, workers have no opportunity to make decisions. This is because it tries to explain some of the religious issues from a sociological point of view. Religion could not be understood apart from the capitalist society that perpetuated inequality. 2001. In providing answers, religion defines the spiritual world and spiritual forces, including divine beings. In the wake of nineteenth century European industrialization and secularization, three social theorists attempted to examine the relationship between religion and society: Émile Durkheim, Max Weber, and Karl Marx. The Sociological Approach to Religion. 1933 [1893]. The practice of religion can include feasts and festivals, intercession with God or gods, marriage and funeral services, music and art, meditation or initiation, sacrifice or service, and other aspects of culture. New Approaches to the Study of Religion completes the survey of the comparative study of religion in the twentieth century by focussing on the past two decades. These universals, and the differences in how societies and individuals experience religion, provide rich material for sociological study. Extract of sample "Sociological Approach to the Study of Religion:Religious Conflict" Religious Conflict Religious Conflict Religious conflict can be described as disagreements resulting from differences in religious beliefs, which in some cases culminates in wars, … 2003. “Religious Attendance and Subjective Well-Being among Older Americans: Evidence from the General Social Survey.” Review of Religious Research 45:116–129. The Sociological Approach to Religion. These views offer different lenses through which to study and understand society: functionalism, symbolic interactionism, and conflict theory. Is there a phenomenology ofmystical experience which crosses faith boundaries? Religion is a social institution, because it includes beliefs and practices that serve the needs of society. Rising from the concept that our world is socially constructed, symbolic interactionism studies the symbols and interactions of everyday life. Psychology of religion consists of the application of psychological methods and interpretive frameworks to the diverse contents of religious traditions as well as to both religious and irreligious individuals. Because interactionists study one-on-one, everyday interactions between individuals, a scholar using this approach might ask questions focused on this dynamic. 1. For Durkheim, Weber, and Marx, who were reacting to the great social and economic upheaval of the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century in Europe, religion was an integral part of society. Rational Choice Theory: Can Economic Theory Be Applied to Religion? © Sep 1, 2020 OpenStax. These universals, and the differences in the way societies and individuals experience religion, provide rich material for sociological study. While some people think of religion as something individual because religious beliefs can be highly personal, religion is also a social institution. The extraordinary range of methods and frameworks can be helpfully summed up regarding the classic distinction between the natural-scientific and human-scientific approaches. 1988. “Religious Economies and Sacred Canopies: Religious Mobilization in American Cities, 1906.” American Sociological Review 53:41–49. 2 hours Structural theories Outcome 1 PC (a) & (b) and 2 PC (a) • Examine consensus theory. Want to cite, share, or modify this book? The pay, working conditions, and robotic nature of the tasks dehumanizes the workers and strips them of incentives for doing quality work. Religion and Health Concepts of health and illness in human society originated from traditional religious views about life and death. As stated earlier, French sociologist Émile Durkheim (1858–1917) defined religion as a “unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things” (1915). Some form of religion is found in every known culture, and it is usually practiced in a public way by a group. RCT is widely used in economics and to a lesser extent in criminal justice, but the application of RCT in explaining the religious beliefs and behaviors of people and societies is still being debated in sociology today. From this perspective, religion serves several purposes, like providing answers to spiritual mysteries, offering emotional comfort, and creating a place for social interaction and social control. A rock, for example, isn’t sacred or profane as it exists. He famously argued that religion “is the opium of the people” (1844). RCT proposes that, in a pluralistic society with many religious options, religious organizations will compete for members, and people will choose between different churches or denominations in much the same way they select other consumer goods, balancing costs and rewards in a rational manner. citation tool such as, Authors: Heather Griffiths, Nathan Keirns. Sociological approaches to the study of Religion in the writings of Marx, Durkheim and Weber Religion is also an example of a cultural universal, because it is found in all societies in one form or another. Finke, R., and R. 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