To examine, using sociological evidence, put forward by several sociologist whether or not religion is indeed essential for the proper running of society.

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Analysis of Functionalist and Marxist Perspectives on Religion

Can society run without religion? Before that question is answered the functions that religion performs must be examined. From a Functionalist perspective all social institutions perform certain functions, the family is the primary institution in terms of socializing the members of society and religion is no exception (in the sense that it performs certain functions). Religion as an institution provides a way for people to deal with the unknown; it supplies some kind of certainty in an uncertain world. One such unknown is death and hence the loss of loved ones, even though it (death) is something that is inevitable it still remains a hard concept to deal with so religion provides answers.    

One may argue that; yes society can run without religion but Society would not, however run properly; there would chaos simply because humans need something to believe in. Religion provides a belief structure for people and society in general. Religion provides moral standards, which are often adopted by law and therefore are in harmony with the general beliefs of most citizens. It should be noted however that some laws spark controversy when based on moral belief because there may be an un-ignorable difference in belief between major religious groups or between religious groups and society in general. One example of this is the battle of legalising abortion and the difference in the opinion on the use of contraceptives’ in America and the Caribbean alike.    

        Parsons sees religion as addressing certain problems that occur in all societies. It (religion) would not be needed if life progressed smoothly and without incident but humans tend to be adversely affected by unforeseen events, which they therefore cannot prepare for, such as death. Religion provides adjustment to those events and restores the regular pattern of life.    

Religion is not an institution of luxury; it is not present so that members of the society have the option of believing in a supernatural being. It is an institution on necessity and another function it serves, is to provide people with a certain kind of attitude towards the world and life in general. This therefore provides social unity as people with common viewpoints are brought together through religion. As religion promotes integration among individuals it is also the cause of mutual separation in society amid religious groups since each religious groups’ has their own set of traditions and beliefs which the members tend to abide by. This encourages segregation in the society itself.  

A vital role that religion plays in society is being a mechanism of social control, through the values that they(religions) teach. The church (in general) usually finds ways in which to ‘enforce’ it’s principles on wider society by influencing the law makers and law making bodies by way of pressure groups and lobbies.    

Weber believed that religion and religious belief motivate people. Hence he came to the conclusion that protestant beliefs are responsible for the development of a capitalist society. This proves that not only is religion an essential element in modern day society but that it is also one that promotes and in some cases brings about social change and/or development.  

Religion in the Caribbean society is best described by its main functions and it is suggested that those are belonging, meaning and comfort. Durkheim originated the idea of belonging as religion being the source of social interaction and that it is the cement that holds society together in the face of both internal and external threats. Meaning being Weber’s idea that religion provides a way of looking at the world- a set of definitions and idea that guides ones thinking. Religion provides comfort, serenity and reassurance; it supports existing institutions and provides social stability.    

Durkheim sums up the answers to main the question; she “believed that social life is impossible without the shared values and moral beliefs which form the collective consciousness. In their absence there would be no social order, social control, social solidarity or co-operation. In short there would be no society.” This statement proves that religion is indeed essential, not only for society to run. But for society to even exist, religion must be present.  

Bibliography

Haralambos, Michael and Holborn, Martin. Sociology Themes and Perspectives Forth Edition London: Collins Educational, 1995.

Landis, Judson R. Sociology Concept’s And Characteristics Eighth Edition California: Wadsworth Inc, 1992.

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