Question

Religion performs both positive and negative functions in a society. With respect to the given statement, explain any four dysfunctions of religion.

Answer 1

While religion can serve society well in many ways, including moral guidance, social cohesiveness, and a sense of purpose, it can also have unfavourable or dysfunctional effects. In terms of sociology, religion has the following four dysfunctions:

1. The social conflict paradigm draws attention to how religion upholds social hierarchy. Karl Marx argued that religion serves the interests of the ruling class by deflecting attention away from social injustices and legitimizing the status quo.
2. Suppression of Rational Thinking: By endorsing superstitions and beliefs, religion can occasionally stifle reason and scientific investigation. This may make it more difficult for people to assess novel concepts and viewpoints critically, which would impede advancement and creativity.
3. Marginalization and Exclusion: Religion can occasionally be used as an excuse for marginalizing and discriminating against specific groups in society, including women and those with varying religious or ethnic backgrounds. Inequality, injustice, and social exclusion may result from this.
4. Numerous conflicts have been fought across the globe in the name of religion: it has been the root of countless civil wars that have divided people within a country. Within a single religion, even smaller sects engaged in conflict with one another to establish their superiority.
5. Religion frequently prevents people from achieving individual responsibility and self-direction and instead makes them dependent on religious organizations and leaders. Therefore, even though religion can have a lot of beneficial effects on society, it's crucial to be aware of any potential negative effects as well as seek to resolve them via discussion, education, and social and political action.