Introduction: Magic science and religion

  1. Like Durkheim hw too argues that religion try to reinforce the social norma and promotes social solidarity.

  2. Malinowski try to rationalises the existence of religion through his empirical study.

  3. But he disagree with the Durkheim that religion is not a symbol of society.

  4. Religion is there to deal with the situation of stress which threaten the social solidarity.

  5. Death the most disruptive of all

  6. Events which are not fully predictable or controllable by the members of society.

    For example: Religious rituals by the Trobriand Tribal before going to fish.

  7. In a Nutshell, religious rituals in a social setting provide for social solidarity by dealing with the situation of emotional stress.

EVANS PRITCHARD

Fishing: to address the uncertainty and gather support from the members collective.

Fishing in shallow sea Fishing in deep sea
Certain, knowledge, technology and control over the situation Uncertainty, less knowledge, no control over external factors
No need for religious rituals Need religion rituals : to make collective effort, counter the fear.