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Recommended: The role of religion in society and politics

Through a major macro-sociological paradigm called Structural Functionalism, Emile Durkheim emphasized the unity of a society through functions of several distinctive structures. These structures are social institutes that perform roles with a purpose of maintain social order and stability, which is widely seen in religion. Emile Durkheim emphasized religion in his final major study in where he suggested that religion was certainly an influential source of social solitary through its collective bonds and common values. Interestingly, religion is a large social structure that incorporates several roles and beliefs to many individuals, and thus creates a large contribution to our society. Through the furthered detailed work of Robert Melton in structural functionalism, we are now able to identify manifest and latent functions in the aspects of religion. Primordially, manifest refers to the intended functions in a social structure that is aware of its contribution to the social system. Religion has several functions and intended purposes that heavily influence individuals, and therefore influence macro-sociological level. A manifest function of religion would be inculcating social virtues such as non-violence, truth, honesty, love, and unity through a set of disciplinary rules or guide. The leader of a group emphasizes these great social qualities through lectures, hymns, or services. Religion also promotes social solidarity, as emphasized by Emile Durkheim. Through common belief, worship, or simple participation, this strengthens the unity through the set of beliefs and practices that are already settled. Last but not least, a manifest function of religion plays largely on pure recreation. Attending services or activities become h... ... middle of paper ... ... latent functions of religion certainly influence me at a macro-sociological level. There are many individuals influenced by their religion, As mentioned before, religion withholds a purpose of inculcating moral values, social norms, and beliefs. Herein, an individual is shaped by a religious belief, and with other members of the same faith they will join and create a subculture. Its great size will have a large impact through their opinion in political, economical, and even environmental standings. This will undoubtedly affect an entire population of a city, town or even a state. That is the power of simply inculcating manifest and latent functions through religion. In addition, not only will they influence me, but I will also have an influence on them. I was born and raised in a religious tradition, and therefore, my perspectives are shaped through its influence.

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