Overview
This lecture explores how sociologists study religion as a social institution, examining its definitions, functions, impacts on inequality, and its varied expressions in the United States.
Defining Religion Sociologically
- Sociology studies religion as a social institution, not by evaluating supernatural claims.
- Emile Durkheim defined religion around the concept of the sacred—things set apart as extraordinary and revered.
- Sacred and profane are distinct; sacred means special or set apart, not necessarily good.
- Symbolic-Interactionism views religion through symbols that create and signify the sacred.
Symbols, Rituals, and Totems
- Rituals, like prayer gestures or ablution, use symbols to express and reinforce faith.
- Objects (e.g., Cross, Star of David) and dress practices can be totems, symbolizing religious membership.
- Totems help establish in-group identity among believers.
Functions of Religion (Structural Functionalism)
- Religion creates social cohesion by uniting people around shared values and norms.
- Religion serves as social control, encouraging conformity to societal and religious rules.
- Religion provides meaning and purpose, giving individuals a sense of greater significance.
Religion and Social Inequality (Conflict Perspectives)
- Karl Marx saw religion as justifying and maintaining social stratification.
- Religion often legitimizes power by associating leaders with divine authority.
- Some beliefs (e.g., predestination) link success or authority to God's favor, discouraging social change.
- Feminist theory critiques religion’s role in reinforcing patriarchy and male dominance.
- Race conflict theory examines religion’s historic use in justifying racial inequality, but religion also played roles in social justice movements (e.g., abolition, Civil Rights).
Religion in the United States
- About 70% of Americans consider religion important, higher than in many high-income countries.
- Protestants, Catholics, people of other faiths, and the religiously unaffiliated make up significant US groups.
- There is wide denominational diversity, especially among Protestants (mainstream and Evangelical).
- Church: well-established, integrated religious institutions (e.g., Christianity, Islam).
- Sect: less formal, less integrated, often attracting disadvantaged groups (e.g., Jehovah’s Witnesses).
- Religious identification varies by class, region, race, and ethnicity.
- Secularization refers to the declining importance of religion, especially among younger Americans.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Sacred — things regarded as extraordinary, inspiring awe, and set apart from everyday life.
- Profane — the ordinary, mundane aspects of life.
- Totem — an object collectively defined as sacred, symbolizing group membership.
- Secularization — the process by which religion loses social and cultural significance.
- Church — a large, established religious body integrated into society.
- Sect — a smaller, less formal religious group with beliefs often differing from mainstream society.
- Social Cohesion — bonds that bring society together.
- Social Control — mechanisms by which society regulates individuals' behaviors.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Durkheim, Marx, and symbolic interactionist perspectives on religion.
- Understand key differences between churches and sects.
- Reflect on examples of religion’s impact on gender and racial inequalities.
- Prepare for discussion on trends in secularization.