Functions (positive) and Dysfunctions (negative) of Religion

FUNCTIONS (positive) AND DYSFUNCTIONS (negative) OF RELIGION

Religion is a pacifying agent as it helps resolve inner conflicts and fills life with hope. However, it also acts as a diversifying force.

Following are some of the functions of religion:

1. Religion brings social cohesion:

Religion is the foundation on which social values rest and control an individual’s actions. Hence, it helps in binding the society by giving common values.

2. Religion acts as an agency of socialization: 

Religion not only exercises control over individual behavior but also socializes him from the very beginning. It insulates different virtues in him. It socializes him as per the norms of society.

3. Religion establishes Solidarity in Society: 

Every religion gives stresses on mutual cooperation and the spirit of brotherhood. Followers of a particular religion have a common belief and common sentiments and participate in a common ritual which integrates them. Durkheim opines that religion brings solidarity to society.

Some of the negative roles or dysfunctions of religion are as follows:

1. Religion hinders Social progress and impedes social changes: 

Religion makes people dogmatic and God-fearing. It upholds traditionalism and impedes social changes by encouraging superstitions, traditions and customs. The followers of religion hesitate to accept scientific discoveries and technological inventions and thereby progress of society is obstructed.

2. It promotes evil practices: 

Each religion more or less patronize one or other forms of evil practices. Animal sacrifice, human sacrifice, the custom of Sati, suicide, untouchability, etc. prevailed in different societies because of religious faith.

3. It is a source of exploitation: 

Marx argued that religion is a source of exploitation. One section of society exploits others in the name of God or religion. It misguides the exploited with the idea that they are destined to suffer and others are fortunate to enjoy. They believe that God has made them so and other than His mercy, none can alter. Likewise, people become victims of exploitation.

4. It encourages communalism: 

Religion sometimes creates intolerance and forms the root of mistrust, jealousy and hatred. All these conditions encourage conflict between various religious groups and ultimately lead to the problem of communalism. History has witnessed communal riots between Hindus and Muslims in India and Roman Catholics and Protestants in England.