Durkheim s Sociological Perspective On Religion - 1733 Words

Abstract This work examines Durkheim’s sociological approach to religion. Several central aspects of Durkheim’s approach are defined, including the concepts of religion, clan, and totem. The Totemic Principle and how it can be applied to religion is also discussed. Supporting evidence for Durkheim is offered through Eliade, while dissension is offered by Malinowski. This work concludes with an example of Durkheim’s ideas applied to the story of Lame Deer. Background Any discussion of Durkheim’s views on religion from a sociological perspective should define exactly what the sociological perspective regarding religion is. According to Roberts and Yamane (2012), for sociologists, the study of religion takes into account more than merely the beliefs of the religion. Religious institutions exist and the existence of these institutions is an important aspect of sociological study (Roberts Yamane, 2012). Religious institutions affects not only beliefs but also behaviors that sometimes run contrary to doctrine as with anything else concerning human beings, conflict is always a possibility (Roberts Yamane, 2012). The behaviors of individuals within the context of religious institutions and beliefs are also important to the sociological perspective (Roberts Yamane, 2012). As such, sociology focuses on the interactions between influences of religion on society and society on religion (Roberts Yamane, 2012); this deconstruction offers the len s through which this workShow MoreRelatedMarx, Weber And Durkheim s Views On The Social1385 Words   |  6 PagesChristina Hubbard February 6, 2016 SOC 310.01 Assignment #1 In this essay I am going to address three core sociology theorists; Marx, Weber and Durkheim, they all had different opinions about how society functioned through the different types of relationships. 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