Final answer:
Functionalists, such as Malinowski and Durkheim, argue that religion provides emotional comfort, fosters social cohesion, and offers a collective experience that unites communities. It also answers existential questions and contributes to the social structure by providing moral guidelines and creating shared sacred spaces.
Step-by-step explanation:
Functions of Religion According to Functionalists
According to the functionalist perspective, particularly the views of Bronislaw Malinowski and Emile Durkheim, religion performs critical functions within a society. Malinowski recognized religion as a source of emotional comfort and a response to times of stress and uncertainty. On the other hand, Durkheim emphasized religion's role in creating shared definitions of the sacred and profane, thereby fostering social cohesion through common beliefs and rituals. The notion of collective effervescence describes the intense emotional experiences that can bond communities together during religious rituals.
Religion also provides answers to existential questions, gives meaning to the spiritual world, including divine beings, and addresses the nature of the afterlife. Furthermore, it is integral to the social aspects of life, including social interaction, social support, and the establishment of moral communities or churches. These functions help individuals to cope with life's stresses, offer a support network, and contribute to the overall structure and moral order of a society.