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