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Compared Functionalist and Marxist theories of the role of religion Both functionalist and Marxist are structural theories, therefore they are primarily concerned with the role religion plays in society rather than the impact it has on individuals. Functionalist perspective is based on the idea that society is a consensus, and that all aspects in society perform a useful purpose to enhance this consensus. Therefore the function of religion is to help bind society by developing a collective conscience. Durkheim emphasises on the importance of collective worship, he argues that by coming together during religious ritual the social group expresses its belief. These values and beliefs reinforce the collective consciousness and unify the group - as a result society is strengthened. Marxist also believes that religion groups people together and therefore promotes a single set of beliefs and values. However Marxist theory identifies religion as an important aspect in the relationship between...

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