Sociology – Paper 4 – Religion: Religion and social order | e-Consult
Paper 4 – Religion: Religion and social order (1 questions)
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From a functionalist viewpoint, religion is seen as a social institution that contributes to the stability and cohesion of society. Durkheim highlighted two principal functions:
- Social cohesion: Religion creates a collective conscience by uniting individuals around shared beliefs, rituals, and symbols, which reinforces group solidarity.
- Social control: Religious doctrines provide moral guidelines that regulate behaviour, helping to maintain order and reduce deviance.
In contemporary societies, these functions persist through community gatherings, charitable activities, and the moral authority of religious leaders, even as secular institutions assume some of these roles.