The Main Function of Religion According to Sociological Arguments

The Main Function of Religion According to Sociological Arguments

Many sociologists believe that the main function of religion is to

provide people with a code of conduct, which regulates personal and

social life.

There are two main theories to what role religion plays within

society. One of these theories is the Marxist theory. Marxism sees

society as superstructure. They believe that society isn’t peaceful

and is based on conflict and exploitation. Religion makes this society

justify inequality and maintains ruling class domination.

Karl Marx believed religion is a form of social “opium” which dulls

oppressive pain and provides hope to the working class people who are

being exploited.

In Marx’s view religion is used by the ruling class to control the

working class. This is done in many ways. One way is to make the

working class believe that supernatural powers control events that

happen on Earth, this makes social change seem impossible and

therefore stops the system being challenged. Religion also causes

people to forget why there is unhappiness in the world, and therefore

stops them from creating happiness for themselves. It is also believed

that religion justifies social class, in a well known hymn the

following lyrics can be found :

“The rich man in his castle, The poor man at his gate, He made them,

high or lowly, And ordered their estate.”

This is saying that God determined social position and therefore it

shouldn’t be challenged by anyone.

Religion promises life after death and therefore makes life worth

living, those who don’t complain will be awarded in afterlife. This is

almost rectifying injustice ...

... middle of paper ...

...the continuing of society through times

of stress.

Another contributor to the functionalist approach is Talcott Parsons.

Parsons believed the role of religion served two functions. One is to

provide guidelines and the other is to answer ultimate questions.

Religion gives out guidelines which provide us with normal behaviour

within society. It also helps us to understand certain situations and

overcome them, for example people dying. Parsons said that religion

helped people to understand why evil actions are undertaken and helps

to bring people together.

Many sociologists would agree in saying that the main function of

religion isn’t to provide people with a code of behaviour which

regulates personal and social life, but it is a very important

function. There are many other functions which are just as important.