The Functionalists view society as a machine or organism which consist of multiple parts that all work together to provide valuable functions for society.
Each part is designed to perform different functions to help society. All parts play an important role in society and functionalists believe that all parts are crucial to maintain society.Functionalist perspective on religion is that it is an important part of society and, its viewed as a part, which is required to maintain society. Durkheim for example believed that religion provided three functions within society such as, social control- like the 10 commandments, they provide a set of rules that are sacred and that all members must abide to, so everyone has the same values and morals. Social cohesion- which help maintain the social glue which keeps society working together, through their shared beliefs of religion and, to also help maintain compliance in the control of society.
