Sociology of Religion: Durkheim to Parsons

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Questions and Answers

What does Durkheim suggest is the primary condition for social life?

Individual beliefs

Collective wisdom

Shared traditions

Collective conscience (correct)

According to Malinowski, what role does religion play in times of emotional stress?

It isolates individuals.

It reinforces social solidarity. (correct)

It diminishes group unity.

It promotes social discord.

Which of the following best describes Durkheim's view on totems?

They have no sacred significance in rituals.

They symbolize the individual over society.

They are abstract concepts with no societal connection.

They are concrete objects representing society. (correct)

What does Talcott Parsons identify as the ultimate source of societal values?

Religious beliefs Signup and view all the answers

In what kind of situations does Malinowski believe religion is particularly impactful?

Situations marked by emotional stress. Signup and view all the answers

What does religion provide according to the passage when faced with life's uncertainties?

Rationale and comfort. Signup and view all the answers

How does religion contribute to social solidarity according to the provided content?

Through common beliefs and collective worship. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of life does Talcott Parsons associate with the need for religion?

Uncertainty and unpredictability. Signup and view all the answers

What role does religion play in promoting order and stability according to the functionalist perspective?

It addresses both intellectual and emotional adjustments. Signup and view all the answers

What is one major critique of functionalism in the context of religion?

It fails to consider complex multi-religious societies. Signup and view all the answers

How does Marx view the function of religion in society?

As a tool for the ruling class to maintain control. Signup and view all the answers

What concept does Marx use to describe the illusion religion creates among the oppressed?

False consciousness Signup and view all the answers

According to Marx, how does religion affect the sensitivity of the oppressed?

It dulls their sensitivity and protests. Signup and view all the answers

What potential function do new religions serve according to the content?

They arise among oppressed and marginalized people. Signup and view all the answers

What dual role does Marx attribute to religion in society?

It appeases the poor while legitimizing the ruling class. Signup and view all the answers

What is a noteworthy counterpoint to the Marxist view of religion?

Some religious movements challenge the existing power structures. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily characterizes the Christian population distribution in Central India?

It is thinly distributed across several states within the tribal belt. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event coincided with the mass conversion movements to Christianity in India?

The emergence of the Indian Independence movement. Signup and view all the answers

How did the new converts to Christianity perceive the British during the colonial era?

As protectors of their faith and interests. Signup and view all the answers

What has led to suspicion among the majority community towards Christians in India?

Their relative non-involvement in the national struggle. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the socio-economic status of most Christians in India?

They primarily engage in low prestige occupations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common trait of the Christian population in India regarding their identity?

They are highly fractionated denominationally and ethnically. Signup and view all the answers

What hinders political organization among Christians in India?

Socio-cultural fragmentation based on ethnicity and denomination. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Christians in India is predominantly rural?

75% Signup and view all the answers

Which group of religious migrants is considered to have a historical presence in India by the first century A.D.?

Christians Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Scheduled Castes were recorded as Hindus according to the 1961 census?

98.56% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups is considered indigenous to India?

Scheduled Castes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the decline of indigenous religious creeds in India?

Adoption of Hindu practices Signup and view all the answers

Which group represents the mass conversion movements primarily involving Scheduled Caste and Tribe members?

Missionary converts Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of tribals were recorded as Christians according to the 1961 census?

5.3% Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT listed as contributing to religious pluralism in India?

Homogeneity in belief systems Signup and view all the answers

Which wave of Muslim influx into India occurred first historically?

Arab migration to the Malabar coast Signup and view all the answers

What central value is crucial to the life of Jains?

Non-violence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly describes the socio-cultural distinction of Jains?

Jains are not socio-culturally distinct from Hindus, despite being a different religious community. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Jains live in urban settlements?

60% Signup and view all the answers

How many castes and sub-castes are reported among Digambara Jains?

87 Signup and view all the answers

In which states are over 75% of Jains concentrated?

Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh Signup and view all the answers

Which Jain sect is known to accommodate a few low caste groups?

Digambaras Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Jainism indicates that it is no longer a proselytizing faith?

Social insularity Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of the relationships between the two main Jain sects?

They have separate all-India Jain conferences. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Durkheim's View on Religion

Society is seen as sacred due to individual dependence on it.
Totem is a representation of society that commands respect and feelings.
Collective conscience, shared values and moral beliefs, is essential for social life.
Religion expresses the collective conscience and strengthens social solidarity.

Malinowski's Perspective

Religion reinforces and promotes social solidarity, especially in times of stress.
Life-cycle crises like birth, puberty, marriage, and death can cause stress.
Religion helps groups cope with situations beyond their control or knowledge.

Parsons' Functionalist View

Religion is the foundation of societal values and moral principles.
It provides value consensus, which is crucial for order and stability.
Religion offers answers and comfort in the face of life's uncertainty.

Critique of Functionalism

It oversimplifies the reality of complex multi-religious societies.
It overlooks the potential for religion to divide and fuel conflict.

Marx's Perspective on Religion

Religion is used by the ruling class to deceive and oppress the poor.
It creates a "false consciousness" that justifies suffering and exploitation.
It pacifies the oppressed and legitimizes the privileged.

Religion in India

Hinduism is seen as the native religion, while Islam and Christianity are considered alien.
Religious pluralism is influenced by cultural diversity, economic development, and social stratification.
Primal vision or Animism/Naturism is the original religion of indigenous people but is gradually fading.
Jainism is a distinct religion with its own doctrines and rituals but is fragmented into sects and castes.
They are known for their non-violent principles and charitable work.
Christianity in India came through different historical phases: pre-colonial, colonial mass conversions, and Anglo-Indian influence.
Christians in India are mainly converts from lower castes and tribes, often rural and economically poor.
They are divided denominationally and ethnically and lack significant political organization.

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Description

Explore the perspectives of key sociologists like Durkheim, Malinowski, and Parsons on the role of religion in society. This quiz focuses on how religion fosters social solidarity, provides moral foundations, and addresses life crises. Test your understanding of functionalism and its critiques within the sociological context.