Early Sociologists like Marx, Durkheim and Weber have sociological theories that are still applicable in modern times to some extent. Comment with examples in Indian society.
The functional aspect of religion, as discussed by Emile Durkheim, Alfred Radcliffe Brown and Bronislaw Malinowski highlights its role in maintaining social order, cohesion and individual well being. Durkheim's Theory - Shared values and norms unite individuals collectively. Religion provides sacreRead more
The functional aspect of religion, as discussed by Emile Durkheim, Alfred Radcliffe Brown and Bronislaw Malinowski highlights its role in maintaining social order, cohesion and individual well being.
Durkheim’s Theory –
- Shared values and norms unite individuals collectively.
- Religion provides sacred moral guidelines regulating social behavior.
- Collective practices reinforce social bonds and shared values.
- Religion distinguishes sacred (spiritual) from profane (secular) realms.
Radcliffe Brown’s Theory –
- Rituals and symbols unify individuals into cohesive social systems.
- Religion regulates individual behavior, maintaining social order and norms.
- Collective rituals convey social values through symbolic expressions and actions.
- Religion replaces or supplements other social institutions functions simultaneously.
Malinowski’s Theory –
- Religion alleviates anxiety, uncertainty and emotional distress through rituals beliefs.
- Shared rituals and myths strengthen social bonds and collective unity.
- Explain natural phenomena, provide meaning and ensure social stability.
- Religion addresses birth, death, marriage and transition anxieties ritually.
Durkheim, Radcliffe Brown and Malinowski’s theories share common themes i.e. religion’s role in social cohesion, ritual symbolism and emotional comfort. Critiques include overemphasis on social function, neglecting individual agency and religious diversity. Limitations include ethnocentrism and oversimplification of complex religious phenomena, highlighting need for nuanced and contextual understandings.
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Indeed, the foundational theories of early sociologists like Marx, Durkheim and Weber remain relevant in modern times with applications in Indian society. Karl Marx - Marx's class struggle - rich vs. poor where workers (proletariat) fight against exploitation by the wealthy (bourgeoisie) seen in moRead more
Indeed, the foundational theories of early sociologists like Marx, Durkheim and Weber remain relevant in modern times with applications in Indian society.
Karl Marx –
Emile Durkheim –
Max Weber –
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