Sociology Social Institutions
Mubasher YounasFA13-BSE-112
Outline
• The Family• Education• Religion• The Economy• Politics • The Media
Unit EQ: How are culture and society related to human interaction?
Religion – A Sociological DefinitionSacred
Anything that is part of the supernatural world and that inspires awe, respect, and reverence
ProfaneAnything that is part of the ordinary world and thus commonplace and familiar.
Religion: A system of roles and norms that is organized around the sacred realm and that binds people together in social groups
According to Sociologist:
Marx :Believed that religion divided the classes… strong vs. weak.
Emile Durkheim:Unified system of beliefs and practices relative toward sacred things.
Stats from around the world
•Christianity – 2.1 billion•Buddhist – 376 million•Hinduism – 900 million• Islamist – 1.3 billion• Judaist – 14 million• Secular – 1.1 billion• Scientologists – 500,000
Functions of Religion• Social Cohesion:
Encourages the strengthening of bonds among people.
• Social Control: Encourages conformity to the norms and values of society
• Emotional Support: Provides comfort in times of personal suffering and natural disaster
Functions of Religion• Integration and solidarity – Durkheim•Religious bonds tie people together• Religion teaches a moral code that is
generally reflective of the society•Explain the meaning of existence• Provide social stability…provide individuals
with•A moral & ethical code of behavior.•Gives man comfort, strength and hope in
times of crisis and despair.
Another idea that took place was the growth of ideas of right & wrong.
Good behavior must be rewarded by the gods; bad behavior would be punished. A code of ethics.
Conflict POV
•Marx believed that religious beliefs are based on illusions• The idea of salvation eases people
view of their situation•Religion gives people something to
hold on to, intangible that can not be bought
Conflict POV
•Attempts to control people and limit their decision making• Impedes social change•Hope of salvation discourages
discontent
Interactionist POV
• How we practice our beliefs• Interaction between the Masjid and its
members• Interaction between religions and their
members• Patterns and Changes of religious behavior• Traditions and ceremonies within our
culture• Eid and Moharram etc
Types of Belief Systems
Animism
Theism
Ethicalism
Animism•Belief that spirits actively
influence human life• Spirits are contained
though out mother nature• Spirits are not worshiped
as gods, but are instead seen as supernatural forces that may issue assistance• Example: Shamanism and
Totemism
Theism
• A belief in a god or gods• Monotheism• A belief in one god, who is usually the creator
and moral authority• Examples: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
• Polytheism• A belief in a number of gods.• Usually centers on one powerful god with
lesser gods• Examples: Hinduism or Greek/Roman Gods
Ethicalism•Based on the idea that
moral principles have a sacred quality•A set of principles such as
truth, honor, and tolerance serve as a guide to living• Examples: Buddhism,
Confucianism, and Shinto
QUESTIONS REMAINING