Page 497 - Sociology and You

Chapter 14 Religion 467 Theoretical Perspectives
Section 2
Functionalism and Religion
Religion exists in some form in virtually all societies. (See Figure 14.1 on page 468 and World View on page 469 for a global distribution of major religions.) The earliest evidence of reli-
gion and religious customs and taboos has been traced as far back as 50,000 B.C. Humans had by then already begun to bury their dead, a practice based on the belief in existence after death. Evidence of religious practices appears in many ancient cultures. In Rome, there were specific gods for objects and events—a god of trees, a god of money, a goddess of fever. While the early Hebrews believed that pigs were un- clean animals whose pollution would spread to all who touched or tasted them, the tribes of New Guinea consid- ered pigs holy creatures worthy of an- cestral sacrifice (Harris, 1974).
Emile Durkheim, the first sociolo- gist to examine religion scientifically, wondered why it is that all societies
Key Terms
• legitimate
• spirit of capitalism
• Protestant ethic
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Religion has several func- tions. It legitimates the structure of society, pro-
motes social unity, and pro- vides a sense of meaning and belonging. Marx argued that religion is used to justify and maintain the group in power. Weber believed that religion could promote social change. He connected the Protestant ethic and the rise of capitalism.
We know that religion is an important part of almost all societies because of the religious symbols most have left behind.