One function of religion would come from the functionalist perspective. The function of religious ritual is to maintain social solidarity by affirming the moral superiority of society over its individual members. Durkheim believed that social life could only exist if values were shared and society integrated into a coherent whole. Religion is an important aspect of this process, not only providing a set of unifying practices and beliefs, but also by providing a way in which people can interpret and give meaning to the world.
A second view would be the Marxist view, this is a negative view. They say religion is a tool of oppression creating false consciousness and cons people into thinking everything is fair. They believe religion diverts them from focusing on the inequalities in their life and religion would disappear during communism. The reason Marxist think religion distracts people from their currently life is because it promises paradise in their next life. However this is the view of the classical Marxists not the neo Marxists. They argue religion does help social change.
The final view on the function of religion comes from feminists. Feminists believe that religion is a patriarchal institution. They criticise the sacred texts as in almost all the world’s religions, the gods are male. (Hindus come close to being an exception, with its female goddesses). Feminists have also been written and interpreted by males by incorporating many traditional male stereotypes and biases. Supernatural beings and religious professionals are overwhelmingly male, and in many religions, women play a secondary role in worship. In strongly religious societies, women tend to have fewer options and less favourable treatment. So the function of religion is to reinforce men’s dominance at the