Introducing 3.4 EXAMINE A VALUES

SYSTEM

What are Beliefs and Values?

What is a VALUES system?

A values system is an integrated set of shared values that may be based on a belief system, ideology, worldview or philosophy.

Values are things that are held by people to be important.

Values are the ideals, customs and views of a person or group of people.

What is a BELIEF system?

A belief system is an organised set of principles and ideas shared by a group of people that indicates a way of perceiving and understanding the social, cultural, psychological world and the universe.

In general…• Beliefs are principles or a philosophy shared by

those within the belief system.

• A belief system may involve teachings or scriptures, practices and procedures for how to conduct daily life.

• Beliefs will guide people toward forming a cultural plan (ideology).

• The philosophy and ideology of a belief system will guide people to forming a certain perception of the world and the universe (worldview).

Religious belief systems…

Religious belief systems acknowledge the presence of a higher being.

Christianity Islam

Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Non-religious belief systems

Non-religious belief systems believe that the human experience is all that exists.

Confucianism Environmentalism

Capitalism

Feminism

Atheism

The development of belief systems

From a sociological point of view religion

is considered to have developed to meet

people’s needs. People have long

searched for answers to questions

about human existence and

society…

There are many different viewpoints on the purpose and effects of religion…

Viewpoints on religion can be studied in Sociology using the following perspectives categories:

-Perspectives on a current issue

-Perspectives on the future

-Gender perspectives

People’s viewpoints on religion can be influenced by a worldview:

Here are three main examples:•Functionalist Worldview•Marxist Worldview•Feminist Worldview

Based on a Functionalist Worldview…

• It brings people

together as a cohesive group.

• It meets the need for a social order in society.

Millions gather at Mecca during Ramadan

“Religion is a positive force in

society”

Emilie Durkheim’s believes…

Religion performs an important function in society because it…

1) Provides individuals with the motivation to face up to life and

2) Provides support and a sense of belonging.

He also believes it’s a positive social tool….

Because it…• Unifies people around a

shared set of norms, values and traditions

• Controls behaviour allowing integration and solidarity

• Socialises young people into the values/norms of their society

Bronislaw Malinowski believes…

.. Religion has developed as a response to people needing something to help them with stressful situations

And…it creates structures to cope with tragedy such as death with funeral ceremonies etc

And…when life seems uncertain and out of control, religion offers a means of regaining control or relieves the stress – Someone is in control!

Talcott Parsons believes that…`…religion answers key questions in life such

as… - Why do people suffer?- Why do some people die young?- Why do criminals prosper?- What is the purpose to my life?

.. It makes sense of the meaningless

Most religions….

…explain that suffering tests a persons faith and gives dignity to these who do suffer. Villians get punished in the after life.

Hurricane Katrina, child labour, poverty, famine…

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• What aspects of the belief system would Functionalists view as positive?

• What difficult things in life may be easier for people who hold Christian beliefs? Give some specific examples.

• Can you think of any arguments against Functionalism: e.g. aspects of religion which are ‘disfunctional’ … or any other arguments?

Based on a Marxist Worldview…

“Religion is a negative force in Society”

Because it reinforces social inequality,

And…

Oppresses the powerless and ensures domination of the powerful ruling class.

Karl Marx believed that religion is the ‘Opium of the People’.. because…

… It keeps the masses docile and accepting of their position in society and lack of control they have over their lives

In feudal societies in Middle Ages – God chose the leaders for benefit of people..

Karl Marx believed that…Religion offered ‘heaven’ as compensation for

their lives…• E.g. Christians and heaven

Hindus reincarnated into a better life Islam and heaven – 72 virgins!

In Hinduism, people are taught to accept their position rather than work to improve it…

Marx believed religion stops people from trying to change their lives…For example, people must live their life the best they can under difficult conditions – this will result in being reborn into another better life and Caste.

People give offerings to gods rather

than look after themselves

How would someone influenced by the Marxist Worldview….

• Feel about the Caste System?

• Feel about the belief in rebirth and reincarnation?

• How would they view the purpose of Hinduism and it’s role in the lives of the people?

• Would they approve of any religion? Why? Why not?

FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE

• Religion is a patriarchal institution when men have most of the power

Generally people influenced by a feminist world view have a negative perspective on religion…

High Caste Balinese Priests

There are unequal roles for men and women

• Some religions see women as property of men e.g. Islam.

• All gods are male and religious texts focus on men.

• Most religions only allow men as priests/leaders/lama’s/gurus.

Feminist philosopher Hanneke Canters believes…

“…that religion encourages a hierarchical base that allows men to gain control and allows them to dominate over woman”… …. “it institutionalises sexism” !

Are women oppressed?• Many religions

reinforce female bias• Eg. Women weak-

willed – Eve and Apple

"Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression."--1 Tim. 2:11-14

• Many cultures impose strict religious laws that restrict the lives of women (Sharia law)

• E.g. Women in Afghanistan under Taliban

•“We uphold your conviction of death by stoning as prescribed by the sharia. This judgment will be carried out as soon as your baby is weaned," the lead judge told Lawal, who sat before the bench cradling her eight-month-old daughter

In summary, viewpoints on religion can be influenced by worldviews…

•Functionalist Worldview• Positive – creates a cohesive, supportive

community with similar values and norms

•Marxist Worldview• Negative – creates a way to control the

masses and keep them oppressed.

•Feminist Worldview• Negative – creates a way to oppress women

and keep them in subservient roles.