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The Functionalist Perspective 421

13.7 Apply the functionalist
The Functionalist Perspective perspective to religion: functions

Functionalists stress that religion is universal because it meets universal human needs. and dysfunctions.
Let’s look at some of the functions—and dysfunctions—of religion.

Functions of Religion
Questions about Ultimate Meaning. Around the world, religions provide answers to
perplexing questions about ultimate meaning. What is the purpose of life? Why do peo-
ple suffer? Is there an afterlife? The answers to questions like these give followers a sense
of purpose, a framework for living. Instead of seeing themselves buffeted by random
events in an aimless existence, believers see their lives as fitting into a divine plan.
Emotional Comfort. The answers that religion provides about ultimate meaning
bring comfort by assuring people that there is a purpose to life, even to suffering. The
religious rituals that enshroud crucial events such as illness and death assure the indi-
vidual that others care.
Social Solidarity. Religious teachings and practices unite believers into a community
that shares values and perspectives (“we Jews,” “we Christians,” “we Muslims”). The
religious rituals that surround marriage, for example, link the bride and groom with a
broader community that wishes them well. So do other religious rituals, such as those
that celebrate birth and mourn death.
Guidelines for Everyday Life. The teachings of religion are not all abstractions. They Read on MySocLab
also provide practical guidelines for everyday life. For example, four of the ten com- Document: Religion and the
mandments delivered by Moses to the Israelites concern God, but the other six contain Domestication of Men
instructions for getting along with others, from how to avoid problems with parents and
neighbors to warnings about lying, stealing, and having affairs. Religion can promote social change,
Many consequences for people who follow these guidelines can be measured. For as was evident in the U.S. civil rights
example, people who attend church are less likely to abuse alcohol, nicotine, and illegal movement. Dr. Martin Luther King,
drugs than are people who don’t go to church. They are also more likely to exercise Jr., a Baptist minister, shown here in
(Gillum 2005; Wallace et al. 2007; Newport et al. 2012). In general, churchgoers follow his famous “I have a dream” speech,
was the foremost leader of this
a healthier lifestyle than people who don’t go to church—and they live longer. movement.