“Football Is Not a Religion” – Discuss in Reference to Durkheim’s Definition of Religion (33 Marks)

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“Football is not a religion” – Discuss in reference to Durkheim’s definition of religion (33 marks) Religion is the most common belief system in society, and has a certain structure to follow if defined exclusively; for example, for something to be classed as a religion there must be a belief on God or supernatural forces, customs/practices shall be followed and there is a clear line between religious and non-religious etc. However, an inclusive definition of religion focuses on the social or psychological functions it performs for individuals and society; therefore, it includes a wide range of beliefs and practices. Functionalists would state that religion 'reinforces collective conscience'. They see religion to provide consensus and is necessary for stability in society. Functionalists, such as Durkheim, see religion to be a positive thing as it reinforces norms and values. There are four factors that contribute to Durkheim’s theory of religion - The Sacred and The Profane, Collective Conscience, Cognitive functions of religion and Totemism. When taking into account the inclusive definition of religion, football can be classed as religion. According to Durkheim, religion does not have to refer to God or spiritual beings, or a life after death. This is because Durkheim believed that some religions, including Theravada Buddhism, lack those supernatural features. Instead, the core concept of religion in Durkheim’s view is that sacredness. The Sacred are things set apart and forbidden, that inspire feelings of awe, fear and wonder, and are surrounded by taboos and prohibitions. By contrast, the profane are things that have no special significance things that are ordinary. Football does not have a spiritual being or God, but it does hold sacred places as do religions. For example, the Wembley Stadium can be classed as the equivalent to Church for those who class

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