Identify and briefly explain three functions of religion

There are many functions of religion, one of the functions according to functionalist is meaning and purpose. This is the idea that religion is a source to give a person a meaning or a purpose of their life or to have a meaning for a society or group of people as well as an individual. For example in South Korea the people of that society started to follow the Christianity religion after South and North Korea became separate and North Korea started to control what went on in the South. This links to meaning and purpose because the people of South Korea turned to a religion to give them a reason to think positive after being controlled by the North. Also they turned to religion to give them a sense of importance in the world and as tough they have someone to turn to for help.

Another function of religion according to Functionalist is collective conscience. This is the idea that there are shared norms, values and beliefs within society or a religion. An example of when collective conscience is included within religion is through worship. Within church and mosques or any other places of worship everyone comes together to pray and share the norms and values of that religion and also they have the same beliefs of that religion. This links to collective conscience because a religion has a set of norms, values and beliefs which most people who follow or attend that religion or place of worship are advised to follow.

A final function of religion according to functionalists is, socialisation and social control. This is the idea that religion brings people together and helps control the way in which society works and holds its norms and values. An example of this is that religion brings people together at important life events such as christenings, marriage and funerals. This links to socialisation and social