Religion is a set of beliefs and practices that a group identifies with, which creates community and provides meaning in people’s lives. It also supports morality and ethics in society, helps people cope with adversity, and provides hope and comfort during difficult times. In addition, it offers a framework for understanding the world and coping with change.
Some scholars have defined religion as a universal phenomenon, appearing in every culture. Others see it as a particular cultural genus, with its own characteristics and functions. In the 19th century, as European societies industrialized, three social theorists examined religion: Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber. Marx believed that religion reflected social stratification and maintained inequality; he famously declared that “religion is the opium of the masses.”
Durkheim theorized that certain beliefs and behaviors create community. For example, the belief that the afterlife exists, a central tenet of many religions, can make it easier to cope with loss and tragedy because loved ones who die are not lost forever.
Another function of religion is to establish and enforce behavioral norms, such as the importance of a monogamous relationship. Many religions have strict rules about dating, marriage, and childrearing. This function is sometimes referred to as the “social control” or “morality” component of religion.