Question

Which of these is not one of the functions of religion identified by the functionalist perspective? Religion provides meaning and purpose to life. Religion promotes social cohesion and a sense of belonging. Religion provides social control and support for the government. Religion prevents anarchy while relieving the individual of responsibility

Answer 1

Religion prevents anarchy while relieving the individual of responsibility.

Explanation:

Functionalism is a theory that was developed out of the writings of Hebert Spencer (an English philosopher and biologist) Spencer argued that various aspects of society work together to make society function just like organs of the body work to keep humans alive.

In other words, society has different interdependent and interrelated parts like religion, education and economy that work in harmony to ensure the stability of society.

Applying functionalism to religion, Émile Durkheim (an English sociologist and popular functionalist) proposed that religion has three functions they include.

1. Provision of social cohesion with a view to maintaining social solidarity via shared rituals and beliefs.

2. Provision of social control that helps enforce religious-based norms and moral to sustain control and conformity in society.

3. Émile Durkheim also noted that Religion offers purpose and meaning to help answer any existential questions.