CARIBBEAN ADVANCED

PROFICIENCY EXAMINTION
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
SOCIOLOGY

NAME OF CANDIDATE: STEPHON GABRIEL

CANDIDATE NO:
NAME OF SCHOOL: THE BISHOPS’ HIGH
CENTRE NUMBER: 090007

TITLE: RELIGION
TEACHER: P. ARCHIBALD
TERRITORY: GUYANA
YEAR OF EXAM: 2017
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

Acknowledgement 1

Problem Statement/Statement of Problem 2

Aims/Objectives 3

Literature Review 4

Introduction 5

Research Design 6

The Sociological Perspective 7

Sample Selection 8

Presentation of Data 9-11

Analysis of Data 12

Discussion of Findings 13-14

Conclusion 15

Bibliography 16

Appendix 17-20
 Acknowledgement
It is only fitting that, I, the researcher, extend heartfelt gratitude to all those who assisted
in the successful completion of this Internal Assessment Paper.

As such, I would like to thank God for giving me health and strength to complete this
challenging task. In addition, I would like to thank my parents, my other family members, and, not
forgetting my subject teacher Miss P Archibald who assisted in the completion of the IA. I could
not have done this without the little input from each of these persons, so, once more, my thanks to
you all.
Problem Statement
Does the religious institution in the community of Half Mile Linden serve to perpetuate more
conflict than harmony

Statement of Problem
There has been a notable amount of violence in Half Mile and one wonders if the church
attempts to aid such. While religion to some extent reinforces social harmony and stability, this
research intends to find if it is responsible for many societal conflicts that arise within the
community between individuals.
 Aims and Objectives
Aim:

 To show whether or not religion serves to perpetuate more conflict than harmony.
 To determine whether or not the religious institution is effective in fulfilling its
purpose.

Objectives:

 To examine the impact of religion on individual social life in Linden.

 To investigate how religion may cause conflict and harmony to arise.
 To recommend ways to help alleviate the problem of conflict that may arise out of
religious differences.
 Literature Review
Religion is an important aspect of social life. It is interwoven into the culture of a people and is
intimately linked to the issues of social integration and conflict between groups within a society
and between societies. Emile Durkheim (1857-1917) stated that religion binds people together
(social cohesion), promotes behaviour consistency (social control), and offers strength for people
during life’s transitions and tragedies (meaning and purpose). By applying the methods of natural
science to the study of society, he held that the source of religion and morality is the collective
mind-set of society and that the cohesive bonds of social order result from common values in a
society. He contended that these values need to be maintained to maintain social stability.
However, Braham (2005), stated that religious extremists can contribute to conflict escalation.
They see radical measures as necessary to fulfilling God's wishes. Fundamentalists of any
religion tend to take a Manichean view of the world. If the world is a struggle between good and
evil, it is hard to justify compromising with the devil. Any sign of moderation can be decried as
selling out, more importantly, of abandoning God's will.

With that being said, we see that Lawson (1993) stated that
in examining the societal functions of religion the same dichotomy between cohesion and
conflicts emerges. He argued that the central function of religion is to bind individuals to society.
Therefore this approach tends to ignore the individuals of rituals. These serve to integrate
individuals and re-affirm the solidarity of the society as a whole. A second viewpoint highlights
the potentially for conflicts which religion poses. There are many historical and contemporary
examples where religious differences have led to conflict, although these are often also mingled
with political, ethnic and economic conflicts. So, in essence, religion can be both a source of
conflict and harmony. In addition, Gopin (2002) stated that while some believers creatively
integrate their spiritual tradition and peace-making, many others engage in some of the most
destabilizing violence confronting the global community today

Finally, Mustapha (2013) stated, that Holm (2002) argued that although many religions
stress inequality between men and women, in practice, women have been given subordinate
roles. Women’s second class status is often related to women’s sexuality. For example,
menstruation and child birth are universally regarded as polluting. This sometimes create internal
conflict between the sexes.
 Introduction
Historically, religion has been among the most powerful agents for changing human attitudes and
behaviour. Religion has traditionally defined what it means to be human, and it has defined the
nature of our goals and relationships. While religion serves many positive functions, it is said to
be one of the main cause of conflict in society.

The impact that religion has had on individuals and societies are monumental and the
number of people affected by it are increasing. Religion has for many years been the source of
harmony, for example celebrations such as christenings and weddings have always sought to bind
people together. In addition, religion have also been a source of conflict within and among
societies and nations. However, the harmony it reinforced always seemed to overthrow the
conflict. Today however, there is an ever increasing amount of conflict arising out of religious
differences. Many religious people are of the view their own religion is the true and superior
religion. This view which is known as ethnocentrism has been the central cause of many religious
conflicts in and around the world.

Moreover, rather than resolving conflict or curing social injustice, the conflict analysis
approach views religion as the basis of intergroup conflict. Further, the inequalities and social
injustices that exist in society are reflected within the religious institutions themselves (e.g., race,
class, or gender stratification). The question then arise, does religion serve to perpetuate more
conflict than harmony?

This research aim is to examine whether or not religion serves to perpetuate more conflict than
harmony.
 Research Design

Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be utilized in order to gather information for the
successful completion of this research. The research is one of a quantitative type which will
produce statistical data about problem statement. It is also quantitative because according to
Durkheim (who’s sociological perspective is utilized) the analysis of statistical data can indicate
correlation as well as cause. Qualitative research method was also chosen because the study is
easily replicable; it is efficient as it save time and money. It also allows for standard data to be
collected and is easy to quantify the data collected. Also Marx’s utilization of the qualitative and
quantitative methods that measured forms and functions made up the logical skeleton in his
presentations of religion. The types of methods used were:

Explanatory Survey: this seeks answers that require more than a simple yes/no response.
Respondents are given the opportunity to clarify their feeling in a greater depth.

Non-direct observation: involves the researcher being completely detached from the group
under observation.

Documents: these are secondary sources. The data already exists and thus it saves times.

Questionnaire: is a research instrument that can be applied to fact finding technique. It

comprises of a number of preset questions that can contain both open –ended and close-ended
questions or a combination of both which are used to gather information from respondents.

The researcher distributed a total of twenty (20) questionnaires randomly on the 26th,October
2016 to residents in the Linden community. The researcher then collected back the
questionnaires from the respondents after which he analysed the data.

The data were analysed using graphic and tabular methods. Descriptive statistics were
also used in analysing and presenting the data.
 The Sociological Perspective

Conflict theorists depict society as being in a state of conflict between opposing groups. In
their study on religion, the Conflict perspective stresses that conflict is caused by religion. Karl
Marx, the founder of this perspective, associated religion to be an instrument of oppression as it
causes much conflict and is used for working class to soften the blow of exploitation of their
lives on earth, by promoting the idea that they will have eternal life in heaven when they die.
Marx famously argued that religion reinforced social conflict because instead of settling
problems such as injustices, religion reinforces conflict and oppression.

However, the functionalists opposed this view as they believed that religion is about
community. According to Durkheim, religion (via rituals) draws people together. There is
collective conscience in that they share common beliefs and this increases the sense of
community.
 Sample Selection

A sample is a small part or quantity that is intended to show what the whole is like. In carrying
out this research, the sample technique which the researcher used was Simple Random Sampling
since it is seen as the most basic way of selecting a sample and the advantage is that a large
sample can be quickly drawn and every unit has the same chance of selection.
 The Data Collection Instrument
The questionnaire was selected as the data collection instrument because the data can be easily
analysed and interpreted; and it requires little time to be completed. The purpose of this
questionnaire is to collect relevant data from Linden.

Questionnaire
Dear Respondent,
I am a sixth form student of The Bishops’ High School conducting a survey for
my Sociology Internal Assessment. In order to successfully complete this survey your assistance
is needed. You can be assured that your answer will kept in strict confidence. Specific
instructions are given where necessary. Your kind co-operation will be gratefully appreciated.
Thank you.
Respectfully,

…………………........................

Stephon Gabriel
1) Gender
Male ( ) Female ( )

2) Age range
15-20 ( ) 21-25 ( ) 26-30( ) over 30 ( )

3) What is your religion?

Christianity ( ) Hinduism ( ) Islam ( ) Others ( )

4) How long have you been living in Linden?

Less 1 year ( ) 1-5 years ( ) 6-10 years ( ) above 10 years ( )

5) To your understanding, which of the following best defines religion?

A belief in a supernatural being ( ) A system of beliefs and practices ( )
A set of symbols invoking a feeling of awe or reverence ( )

6) With a large amount of persons having a religious belief, why do you believe religion is
sought by individuals?
Relieves fear, anxiety and frustration ( ) Provides direction and focus ( )
Provides a sense of belonging ( )

7) With the high rates of violence and crime in today’s society, does religion play an important
role in helping persons find necessary resolutions for them?
Yes ( ) No ( )

8) Identify one way in which your religious belief has influenced your life.
______________________________________________________________________________

9) With the growing number of immoral activities in Linden is it your belief that there’s a
declining influence of religion on person’s lifestyle?
Yes ( ) No ( )
10) If yes, in what way? __________________________________________________________

11) Do religious groups promote social integration or harmony between individuals in the
community?
Yes ( ) No ( )

12) Based on your observations within Linden, you think that religion serves to perpetuate more
conflict than harmony?
Yes ( ) No ( )

13) Why would a person from one faith show disregard for other religions?
It is taught in their religion that it is the true one ( )
One religion has new ideas, new beliefs and combination of beliefs ( )
Introduction of different religious traditions by one group ( )
If other please state ____________________________________________________

14) How does conflict or harmony between different religious faiths encourage the break down
or fulfilment of religion?
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

15) How can one show respect for the religion of others in our multi-religious society?
______________________________________________________________________________
 Presentation of Data
Figure 1

Chart showing why people belive religious bodies

are sought by individuals

relieves fear,anxiety
and frustration
provides direction and
focus
provides a sense of
belonging

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Figure 2

Pie chart showing whether or not there is a declining

influence of religion on a person's lifestyle in Linden

36%
Yes
No
64%
Figure 3

Column chart showing whether religious groups

promote social integration or harmony in the community
90%
80%
70%
No.Of Percentage

60%
50%
no
40%
yes
30%
20%
10%
0%
Responses

Figure 4

Pie Chart showing whether or not religion

plays an important role in society

20%

Yes
80%
NO
Figure 5

Column Chart showing whether or not religion serves to

perpetuate more conflict than harmony

80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Yes No

Yes No
 Analysis of Data

Fig.1 clearly illustrate why people believe religions are sought by individuals. According to the
data 10 respondents (40%) say that it relieves fear, anxiety and frustration, 8 (32%) said that it
provide a direction and focus while 7 (28%) said that it provides a sense of belonging. This shows
that for many people religion serves a positive function.

In addition, Fig. 2 shows whether or not religious groups promote social integration or harmony
in the community. According to the data received, 20 respondents (80%) stated yes and 5
respondents (20%) stated no. Thus according to many, religion still performs that positive function.
For example christenings and weddings are seen as sacred moments in life which harmonise people
and join people in the religious way of life.

Figure 3 on the other hand was seen as a challenging question because while many of the
respondents would have appreciated the fact that religion does promote social integration or
harmony in the community, a majority of the respondents 18 (72%) thought that religion is more
like a source of conflict than harmony. This shows that in reality, the conflict that arises
outweighs the good or harmony which religion actually promotes. This question received no
from 7 respondents (28%) who absolutely believed that religion is more like a source of harmony
than conflict.
 Discussion of Findings

This survey was carried out with the residents of the Linden community to find out if religion
serves to perpetuate more conflict that harmony. From the 25 questionnaires distributed, all were
successfully completed and returned. The research reveals that conflict outweighs that of harmony
since more than half of the respondents thought that religion is more like a source of conflict than
harmony. This is because of the frequent discord we see among the various religions.

Moreover, conflict theories state that religion is a source of conflict that divides or stratifies
society. Marx argued that religion is a tool which helps maintain the status quo in society by
making the lower classes content with promises of great rewards in the life after death. The conflict
perspective can explain many conflicts seen around the world not only throughout history, but also
today. Karl Marx in particular looked at religion as a source of conflict—a divisive rather than a
cohesive power within society.

Indeed majority of the respondents agreed that religion serves to perpetuate more conflict than
harmony. The data reveals that majority of respondent stated although religion promotes social
integration and harmony in the community, the levels of conflict that arise from religion is more.

However, respondents did appreciate the fact that religion is important and it is the backbone for
society, therefore the political, education and other systems should take into consideration the
fact that problem would occur which will lead to conflict and that it is their job as other
institutions to help deal with these conflicts. The history of the world shows that individual
people and whole communities and nations are quite ready to persecute, kill and go to war over
religious differences.

As a result, respondents gave advice which sought to encourage residents within the community
to play their part in helping to alleviate the many problems experienced through religion. They
also suggested that individuals should stop criticizing other religions, accept the fact each person
has varying beliefs and prevent religious differences from negatively affecting communal
harmony. The respondents also stated that religion is the backbone of society and that the
political, education and other system should take into consideration the fact that religious
tensions would occur and that they may be a source of conflict.
 Conclusion

The conclusion made here relates to the findings of the research carried out at Linden,
Guyana. The survey has proven that religion is a source of conflict rather than harmony. It has
shown the majority of respondents stated that religion in society is more a source of conflict and
therefore has overthrown harmony.

Furthermore, it can be shown that although the conflict has overthrown harmony, there is
still a lot of harmony within religion.
 Bibliography

Lawson, Tony. Sociology for A- level: A skill-Based Approach. London: Harper Collins
Publishers (1993).

Mustapha, Nasser. Sociology for Caribbean Students; Development and Social Change.
Jamaica: Ian Randle Publishers (2006).

Braham, Eric. Religion and Conflict | Beyond Intractability, University of Colorado (2005).
Accessed April, 14, 2016. http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/religion-and-conflict

Sociological Theories of Religion: Conflict Analysis Research Paper starter retrieved from
http://www.enotes.com/research-starters/sociological-theories-religion-conflict-analysis