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1. In your own words, define social stratification.

What functions does


social stratification serve? How do those in higher ranks use their
status?

Social stratification is what our society does to separate


themselves from others. Social stratification functions as three
layers: upper, middle, and lower class. Our society believes as
a person gains power and status, they associate with persons
of the same class. Though co-mingling of classes does happen,
one will always feel out place. Those in higher classes tend to
use their status to repress the lower classes to keep its
exclusivity.
2. What roles do myths, metaphors, parables, etc., play in describing the
human condition? How do these compliment or contradict other
explanations (e.g., science)?

Human nature is our attempt to explain things we cannot understand.


Parables makes it easy to understand life and its complications. Myths are
indications of human creativity that are deep within ones self used to introduce
faith in something greater than ourselves into our existence. Depending the
context all can be used to make a point.
3. Briefly describe the main differences between non-state political
systems and nation-state systems. Ideally, can one be conceived as better
than the other? Why?

These systems include societies that function, or at least used to


function, without government. State is an organized community living
under a unified political system, the government. A Nation state is a system
defined by its geography, politics, and culture. A nations cultural identity is
shared by the people, and the state is the governing administration. One
cannot exist without the other because they are both part the political
system.
4. Choose a religion or other ideology (including atheism) with which you
are familiar. How does this ideology fulfill the 4 functions of religion
The

religion I chose is Jehovah Witnesses, though am not one my


wife is. The first function is the mystical, this function focuses on
the heart and mind and aiming toward the unattainable. Jehovah

Witnesses manipulate their members to fulfill the "higher


purpose." Jehovahs Witnesses believe in theocratic war strategy
in order to protect its members. They also believe that it is not
wrong to lie to people who are not entitled to know the truth. To
answer the question does JW adhere to the first function, yes,
they believe only 144,000 are chosen to ascend to the next level
of existence(the mystical).The second function is cosmological as it
associates with the science and knowledge of the day. Cosmology as a
function of religion has to accept the science of the day to decode the
mystery. Jehovah Witnesses do not believe in Creationism because
they believe it conflicts with the Bible and science is compatible
with the Bible.(jw.org, 2016) The third function is the sociological and
religions validating and maintaining a certain specific social system.
Sociologist James A. Beckford 1975 study of Jehovah's Witnesses
concludes the religion's organizational structure is characterized
by its direct leadership, specific and narrow objectives,
overbearing demands on members' time and energy. He also
concludes JW has high member turnover, will not cooperate with
other religions, so no I believe JW do not adhere to the
sociological function(Jehovahs Witnesses Explained, 2016). The
fourth function is pedagogical JW teachings are lengthy ,but
understandable, the subject matter is adolescent at best, but
with no explanation(Smith,2009).

References
Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe in Creationism? | FAQ. (n.d.).
Retrieved May 24, 2016, from https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahswitnesses/faq/creationism-belief/
Grossoehome, D. (n.d.). 65 Questions for Jehovah's Witnesses.
Retrieved May 24, 2016, from
http://mmoutreachinc.com/jehovahs_witnesses/mindcontrol.html

Jehovah's Witnesses Explained. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2016,


from http://everything.explained.today/Jehovah's_Witnesses/
Smith, E. (2009, November 9). Four Functions of Religion.
Retrieved May 24, 2016, from
http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/civilreligion/four-functions-of-religion/article_c5cf8420-0710-5faa9a0a-243548cc9244.html

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