Question

What is the primary concept behind the Provisioning Hypothesis?

A. It proposes that ancestor worship is essential for solidarity
B. It suggests that rituals are solely for religious purposes
C. It theorizes that the allocation of resources influences the social structure
D. It argues that rituals have no impact on society

Answer 1

The Provisioning Hypothesis is primarily concerned with how the allocation of resources influences social structures, including the impact of religion and rituals on societal cohesion and organization.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary concept behind the Provisioning Hypothesis theorizes that the allocation of resources influences the social structure. This idea is aligned with the functionalist perspectives of sociologists such as Emile Durkheim, who posited that religion and its associated rituals play a fundamental role in the cohesion and structured functioning of societies. By providing shared values and norms, religion fosters solidarity and community organization, characteristics that are also reflected in the distribution and management of resources within a society.