Question

According to Durkheim, what function does religion serve for a society?

Answer 1

According to Durkheim , Religion is a product of human activity and not divine intervention . He believed that religion is an important and integral part of humanity and will always be there. He also believed that all religions can live together in the world in a secular manner . In his research he was never interested in the origin of religion as he knew that such origin can not be found.

He wanted to find simplest form of religion where most basic form of religious life could be found .

He propagated that religion s basic however the content of religion may differ from society to society. He defined religion as below

“A religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden--beliefs and practices which unite in one single moral community called a Church, all those who adhere to them.” (Durkheim; 1995: 44) according to him thee are three part of a religion :

1. Sacred Objects

2. Beliefs and practices

3. existence of moral community.

1. The religion bonded community with the beliefs and served society in a great manner by laying out moral principles . All the institution took birth somewhere being influenced by religion .

Religion served to group a set of people together through collective effervescence . i.e people coming together to perform rituals . Religion establishes a persons relationship with society and social identity. He considered religion a powerful force that served society in many ways .