The chapter on families and religion is very hard to summarize. For one thing there is no good definition for family. What people consider to be family varies from person to person and generation to Generation. Andersen and Taylor (2011), as: a primary group of people--usually related by ancestry, marriage or adoption--who form a cooperative economic unit to care for any offspring (and each other) and who are committed to maintaining the group over time.
Sociologist study religion and its effects, but not the theology involved. So they can gain an understanding of the relative purposes for religious rituals and beliefs. An understanding of religion helps in the study of sociology because many societies have religion, and religious beliefs guide the actions of people in that society. Andersen and Taylor (2011) define religion as: an institutionalized system of symbols, beliefs, values, and practices by which a group of people interprets and responds to what they feel is sacred and that provides answers to questions of ultimate meaning.
Here is a quote by Karl Marx (n.d.) that addressed his standing on religion: "Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, just as it is the spirit of spiritless conditions. It is the opiate of the masses."
This is a link to a webpage by appliedsoc.org (2011) that introduces the sociology of the family. It thoroughly examines issues related to the family and the way a family functions. http://www.appliedsoc.org/family/.
This webpage by HighBeam Research Inc. (2011) gives a great definition of sociology related to religion and then goes into detail about the sociologists and views surrounding it. http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Sociology_of_religion.aspx#1
This video describes the views of Marx Weber and Durkheim on the sociology of religion. By exploring these sociologists’ ideas side by side you can easily compare and contrast them and decide which you believe. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2-rnGiTFRU
This is a link to an article by Jason Palmer (2011) for BBC News. The article is about the rising number of people who do not claim any religious affiliation.
References
Andersen, M. L., & Taylor, H. F. (2011). Sociology: The essentials. (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
AppliedSoc.org (2011). Applying Applied Sociology in the Family. [Webpage]. Retrieved from http://www.appliedsoc.org/family/.
HighBeam Research Inc. (2011). Sociology of Religion. [Webpage]. Retrieved from http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Sociology_of_religion.aspx#1.
Palmer, Jason (2011, March 22). Religion May Become Extinct in Nine Nations, Study Says. [Article]. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12811197.
Ty, Rey (2009, June 18). Sociology of Religion: Marx, Weber & Durkheim. [Video]. Retrieved from
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