Skip to main content

Functionalism on Religion

This video presents the same text shown beside it, spoken and on screen. It adds nothing the text does not say.

State

Functionalists hold that religion answers spiritual questions, provides emotional comfort, and creates opportunities for social interaction and social control.

Show

A congregation offers both an explanation of suffering and a place to seek material help during a crisis, in the same visit.

Watch for

Functionalists also note religion can sharpen an in-group/out-group divide, which is a function, not automatically a benefit.