Elaborate the views of Durkheim on “The Elementary Forms, of Religious Life”. (UPSC CSE Mains 2015 - Sociology, Paper 1).
"The Elementary Forms of Religious Life" is a seminal work by Emile Durkheim, a founding figure in sociology. Published in 1912, Durkheim explores the sociological aspects of religion, aiming to understand the fundamental nature and functions of religious beliefs and practices in society. This answer will elaborate on Durkheim''s key views and concepts presented in this work.
Durkheim''s Views in "The Elementary Forms of Religious Life":
- Social Origin of Religion:
- Durkheim argued that religion is a social construct originating from collective beliefs and practices within a society.
- Religion, he asserted, is not supernatural but a reflection of social solidarity, shared norms, and values.
- Collective Consciousness and Religion:
- Durkheim introduced the concept of "collective consciousness," which represents the beliefs, morals, and ideas shared by members of a society.
- Religion acts as a vehicle for expressing and reinforcing this collective consciousness, providing a sense of belonging and unity among individuals.
- Totemism:
- Durkheim used totemism, the belief in a sacred object or symbol representing a group, as a foundational concept in understanding religion.
- Totems, in his view, embody the collective identity and unity of a group and are the focal point of religious ceremonies and rituals.
- Sacred and Profane:
- Durkheim distinguished between the sacred (extraordinary, revered) and the profane (ordinary, everyday) in religious life.
- The contrast between these realms creates a sense of awe, marking off religious experiences from mundane ones.
- Rituals and Solidarity:
- Durkheim emphasized the significance of rituals in religious life, illustrating how rituals reinforce social cohesion and integration.
- Through communal participation in religious rituals, individuals reaffirm their shared beliefs and values, strengthening social bonds.
Examples to Illustrate Durkheim''s Views:
- Christianity and the Eucharist:
- In Christianity, the Eucharist, a central ritual, involves the symbolic consumption of bread and wine representing the body and blood of Christ.
- Through this ritual, Christians reaffirm their collective beliefs, emphasizing solidarity and unity as part of a religious community.
- Hinduism and Temple Worship:
- In Hinduism, temple worship is a significant religious practice involving rituals, prayers, and offerings to deities.
- Hindus collectively engage in these rituals to express their shared beliefs, reinforcing a sense of unity and solidarity within the community.
Durkheim''s "The Elementary Forms of Religious Life" offered groundbreaking insights into the sociological understanding of religion. He highlighted the societal origins of religion, focusing on the collective consciousness, rituals, and symbols that create social cohesion. Understanding religion as a product of society allowed Durkheim to shed light on the fundamental role it plays in shaping and reflecting the collective conscience of a community.
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