Assess the view that sociological arguments and evidence support functionalist views of the role and functions of religion in contemporary society.
Functionalists see society as based upon consensus, where each institution functions to help society work together as a whole with shared ways of thinking and behaving. One example of this is the Ten Commandments which include a number of the principles highlighted in the U.K law system. As a result of this, functionalists such as Durkheim and Parsons see religion as a means of integration and social control within society. They believe that the shared rituals and collective worship of religion help reinforce the consensual values and norms of society, and that without these shared values society could not function. Sociologist Bellah believes that there is a much stronger sense of consensus values in the USA, where strong religious roots are very apparent through American’s worshipping of the flag, thus worshipping their country. Parsons however still believes that this can also be seen in Britain. Functionalists also see religion as a form of social control, providing religious backing and answers for society's rules, so people will abide by them. Functionalists such as Malinowski also believe that it is a way of coming to terms with life changing events like death, marriage and baptisms, helping individuals within society to work through the crises of life.
The question of whether or not religion is still relevant in a postmodern society is dependent upon a number of factors. Malinowski, a functional anthropologist, supported religion through the idea that religion is needed by individuals at times of emotional distress or significance; times he called the Crises of Life. He claimed that religion brings hope and comfort to individuals, and that it offers and encourages ”valuable mental attitudes” in distressing