Malinowski
Bronislaw Malinowski's functionalist theory that religion functions to reduce anxiety in unpredictable situations, enabling people to cope with uncertainty and maintain social functioning.
Real World
Sailors historically prayed and held rituals before long voyages into unpredictable storms, but used no such rituals on short, familiar coastal trips — exactly the pattern Malinowski observed.
Exam Focus
Cite the Trobriand Islander fishing contrast specifically; named empirical evidence lifts evaluation answers above unsupported assertion.
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