Sociology and Religion

Introduction to Sociology of Religion

• Sociology examines religion as a social institution, not for answers about God or personal beliefs.
• Focus on religion's societal role, influence on social norms, and function.

Defining Religion

• Emile Durkheim: Defined religion by the sacred vs. the profane.
  • Sacred: Extraordinary, inspiring awe, deserving reverence.
  • Profane: Mundane, everyday life.
• Religion as a unified system of beliefs/practices recognizing the sacred.

Symbolic-Interactionism and Religion

• Society understood through symbols constructed by humans.
• Rituals: Symbolic practices highlighting faith.
  • Catholic sign of the cross, Muslim prayer postures.
  • Ritual ablution (e.g., baptism) uses water as a cleansing symbol.
• Totems: Objects like the Cross or Star of David symbolize sacred meaning.
  • Visible symbols (e.g., beards in Islam/Judaism) indicate faith.

Structural Functionalism and Religion

• Functions of Religion (Durkheim):
  1. Social Cohesion: Unites people through shared symbols, norms, values.
     • Promotes morality, fairness, charity, justice.
  2. Social Control: Influences behavior for acceptance by God and society.
     • Examples: Ten Commandments align with societal norms/laws.
  3. Purpose in Life: Provides meaning through divine purpose.

Social Conflict Theory and Religion

• Religion can enforce social inequalities.
  • Karl Marx: Religion as social stratification agent.
    • Legitimizes status quo, divine right to rule, predestination.
  • Reinforces political, economic, gender, and racial inequalities.

Feminist and Race Conflict Theory

• Gender Inequality:
  • Depiction of divine figures as male.
  • Patriarchal religious texts assign subordinate roles to women.
  • Restrictions on women’s clergy roles and behaviors.
• Racial Inequality:
  • Justification of slavery through religious texts.
  • Some religions supported social justice movements (e.g., Quakers in abolition).

Practical Aspects of Religion

• Religious Distribution in the US:
  • 70% of Americans value religion (higher than other high-income countries).
  • Diversity: Protestants, Catholics, non-Christian faiths, non-religious.
• Churches vs. Sects:
  • Churches: Major religions, well-integrated (e.g., Christianity, Islam).
  • Sects: Less formal, less integrated, often attract disadvantaged (e.g., Jehovah's Witnesses).
• Regional and Demographic Variations
  • Regional religious preferences based on historical settlement patterns.
  • Differences in religious affiliation by class, race, and geography.
  • Black Americans predominantly Protestant; some identify as Muslim.

Secularization

• Decline in religion's importance in the US, especially among younger generations.
• Despite secularization, religion's societal influence remains significant.

Conclusion

• Religion's ties to societal rules and norms are significant.
• Different sociological theories provide varied insights into religion's societal role.
• Key Topics Covered:
  • Symbolic Interactionism: Sacred vs. Profane.
  • Structural Functionalism: Social cohesion vs. stratification.
  • Practical religious practice differences across race and class.