Functionalism explores the nature of social life and cultural phenomena before they are subjected to further speculative manipulations. This approach opposes naive realism, which assumes that a person can directly comprehend static and unchanging essences of phenomena through contemplation and analysis of changeable and transient sensations (Bhukkal, 2021). It is common for functionalists to reduce the social structure to the interaction of people within certain institutions that regulate people’s behavior with the help of established norms of behavior. Based on this, religion is considered a central and fundamental aspect of culture. Religion creates a system of beliefs, norms, and values that unite members of society and ensure its integrity and unity (Thompson, 2018). Functionalists consider traditional religions to be the most crucial unifying factor supporting the integrity of society.
From the studied article, it was possible to learn several interesting views regarding the position of Americans regarding the importance of religion. The article says that about 63% of Americans believe religion should be outside politics (Pew research center, 2019). In addition, 55% of respondents believe that religion brings more benefits to society than harm (Pew research center, 2019). Based on people’s statements, it can be determined that they have a reasonably functionalist position. This is reflected in the fact that Americans believe this institution serves as a unifying factor for society and helps strengthen morality. It should be noted that this study allowed me to supplement my theoretical explanation from the first part. This is manifested in the fact that it was possible to find out the genuine opinion of the people themselves about the role religion plays in society.
References
Bhukkal, S. (2021). Sacrosanct or secular?: A critical study of Emile Durkheim’s functionalist perspective on religion. International Education & Research Journal, 7(1), 60–61.
Pew research center. (2019). Americans have positive views about religion’s role in society, but want it out of politics. Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life Project.
Thompson, A. K. (2018). The functionalist perspective on religion: Summary revision Notes. ReviseSociology.