Question

Which of the following is a good criticism of the structural-functional approach to religion?

a. It ignores religion's ability to cause social conflict.
b. It overlooks the individual and focuses solely on societal functions.
c. It neglects the historical and cultural aspects of religious practices.
d. It underestimates the role of gender in shaping religious experiences.

Answer 1

The structural-functional approach to religion is often criticized for ignoring the potential of religion to cause social conflict, focusing instead on the cohesion and stability it can provide within a society. Therefore, the correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

A good criticism of the structural-functional approach to religion is that it ignores religion's ability to cause social conflict. This approach tends to emphasize the stability and cohesion that religion brings to a society, which is why it might overlook the ways in which religion can also lead to social divisions and tensions. While it highlights the positive aspects like social control, shared values, and group cohesion, it can miss the complexities introduced by conflict, which can result from religious divides and can be a significant factor in social change. Other theoretical perspectives, such as conflict theory, do address these kinds of social conflicts more directly.