Which theoretical perspective highlights the social cohesion and integrative capacity of religion?
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Answer: A. functionalist perspective
Explanation
Functionalism views religion as a vital institution promoting social cohesion and integration. Religious rituals bring communities together, reinforcing shared moral values and collective identity. This perspective emphasizes how religious beliefs help maintain societal stability and order. Structural functionalism analyzes society as a system whose parts work together harmoniously. Emile Durkheim argued that religion reinforces social solidarity through collective worship. Functionalist theories highlight the positive contributions institutions make to social equilibrium.
Community churches often provide emotional support systems that integrate individuals into neighborhoods. National holidays with religious roots help unify diverse populations around shared traditions. Sociologists study these integrative capacities to understand why religion persists globally. Conflict perspective views religion as an instrument used by elites to justify inequalities. Interactionist perspective examines how individuals experience religious meaning in daily life. Asserting every perspective holds this view overlooks critical conflict-theory critiques of religion.
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Answer: A. functionalist perspective
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Answer: A. functionalist perspective
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Q3. Which perspective contends that religion ultimately reinforces existing patterns of power and inequality whenever it influences behavior?
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Answer: B. conflict perspective
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Answer: A. functionalist perspective
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Answer: B. conflict perspective
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Q6. Which perspective highlights the historical imbalance of power between men and women, with men holding dominant positions?
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Answer: A. functionalist perspective
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