Sociological Perspectives

By writing this essay I am going to explain two sociological perspectives, the interactionist perspective and the Functionalist perspective. The purpose of this essay is to outline and evaluate the theories for each contrasting perspective, using relevant sociological viewpoints that explain how they relate to religion within the UK.

The functionalist perspective is the view that society is made up of different institutions. These institutions are; family, religion, and the educational system. According to Herbert Spencer and Auguste Comte, society operates like a living organism and possess basic functions it must carry out in order to survive. The institutions of society are organised to meet different needs, each of which have certain outcomes

If this did not exist within society, then there would be no cooperation and definitely no society. Religion reinforces collective conscience into society, allowing people to share common ground, otherwise people within society wouldn’t have anything in common with one and other, and simply would not have a social life. For example, Christianity within the UK brings people together on the basis that they all have the same Christian belief system. People within the same religion, are inclined to have a shared ideology and outlook on life, therefore have a tendency to stay within their comfort zones to avoid confrontation with people who don’t necessarily share the same moral values. This theory or outlook on religion within society stems back from tribes, and the way they live with one and other. All abiding by the same rules within their tribes, and sharing the same beliefs and moral values, making this the most simple and basic form of religion. Durkheim himself observed Aborigines in Australia in an attempt to back up and develop his argument

His work and research helped to explain society through the everyday interactions on humans, throughout his research he did not use any form on scientific method, but instead used purely observation to explain his theory on society. His findings are still needed for the basic understanding of society and its ideas, beliefs and values via the behaviour of individuals. Symbolic interactionism looks at how religion plays a part in millions of people’s lives daily through the use of symbols. For example, it highlights the way the certain beliefs and practices are not seen as sacred unless people relate them to a specific meaning, and once they do, they then become special and give a significant sense to their lives. Which means that religion gives individuals a meaning and purpose to life. Symbols within religion specify the importance and value of the symbolic interactionist perspective, for instance, a cross simply looks almost ‘T’ shape, but for the millions of Christians all over the world it’s the symbol that their lives are focused around. It’s the symbol that they get their values and moral beliefs form. It’s exactly the same for the crescent moon and star, for many these are just shapes but for others, this is the universal symbol of