Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Émile Durkheim, a founding figure in sociology, sought to understand religion not through theological or psychological lenses, but as a social fact. He defined religion as “a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, which unite into one single moral community called a Church.” His groundbreaking work, *The Elementary Forms of Religious Life*, aimed to uncover the most primitive form of religion to reveal the essential characteristics present in all religious systems. Durkheim chose to study totemism among Australian Aboriginal tribes because it appeared to be the simplest and most rudimentary form of religion, believing it would reveal the underlying social and psychological mechanisms at play in all religious phenomena. Through this study, he argued, the ‘reality’ of religion lies not in the supernatural, but in the social functions it performs.
Durkheim’s Theoretical Framework
Durkheim’s approach was fundamentally sociological. He believed that social facts – ways of acting, thinking, and feeling external to the individual – should be studied as things in themselves. He rejected psychological explanations of religion, arguing that the origins of religious beliefs are not found in individual experiences but in collective life. Central to his theory are the concepts of the sacred and the profane. The profane encompasses the ordinary, everyday aspects of life, while the sacred refers to those things set apart and forbidden, inspiring reverence and awe. Religion, according to Durkheim, is the system of beliefs and practices that surround the sacred.
The Study of Totemism
Durkheim meticulously analyzed the rituals and beliefs surrounding totemism in Australian Aboriginal societies. Totemism involves a clan identifying with a particular animal or plant (the totem) which is considered sacred. He observed that:
- Totemic symbols are representations of the clan itself: The totem is not merely an animal; it is a symbol of the social group, embodying its identity and solidarity.
- Rituals reinforce social cohesion: Totemic rituals, such as ceremonies and prohibitions, bring clan members together, strengthening their bonds and reinforcing collective identity.
- The totem is treated with reverence and respect: The totem is surrounded by prohibitions (taboos) and treated with a sense of awe, demonstrating its sacred character. Killing or consuming the totem is often forbidden, even in times of scarcity.
- Collective effervescence: Durkheim highlighted the experience of ‘collective effervescence’ during totemic rituals. This refers to the heightened emotional state and sense of unity experienced by individuals when participating in collective activities.
Demonstrating the Reality of Religion
Through his analysis of totemism, Durkheim argued that religion is not about believing in supernatural beings, but about the social functions it performs. He posited that the sacred is, in essence, society itself. When individuals worship the totem, they are, in fact, worshipping the collective consciousness – the shared beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes which operate as a unifying force within society.
Durkheim’s argument can be summarized as follows:
| Element of Totemism | Corresponding Element in All Religions | Social Function |
|---|---|---|
| The Totem (Sacred Object) | Gods, Spirits, Sacred Texts | Represents the collective consciousness and social solidarity |
| Totemic Rituals | Prayers, Sacrifices, Ceremonies | Reinforce collective identity and moral values |
| Taboos and Prohibitions | Moral Codes, Religious Laws | Establish social norms and regulate behavior |
| Collective Effervescence | Religious Ecstasy, Communal Worship | Creates a sense of belonging and shared purpose |
Therefore, Durkheim concluded that the ‘reality’ of religion lies in its ability to create social solidarity, regulate behavior, and provide meaning and purpose to human life. The totem, as a symbol of the clan, embodies these functions, demonstrating that the essential elements of religion are present even in its most primitive form.
Conclusion
Durkheim’s study of totemism remains a cornerstone of sociological thought on religion. By shifting the focus from the supernatural to the social, he demonstrated that religion is not merely a matter of individual belief, but a powerful social force that shapes human behavior and maintains social order. While his interpretation of totemism has been subject to criticism, his emphasis on the social functions of religion continues to be influential in contemporary sociological analysis. His work highlights the enduring human need for collective belonging and the role of shared beliefs and rituals in creating and sustaining social cohesion.
Answer Length
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