Religion & Impact on Society

Religion and the Impact on Society

Throughout history Functionalist, Conflict and Symbolic Interaction perspectives have had a major impact on the institution of religion. Each theory has a completely different outlook on society. People believe in different types of religion and most of the time their beliefs are based on their culture. Some individuals are looking to be accepted by society and others are influenced by their peers. Religious beliefs have a large impact on people based on their cultural background no matter what the meaning of their religion is. Religion is a big part of every society and society can dictate how people behave based on their religion.

The Functionalist perspective is according to individuals who answer every day life which has a purpose or showing. This theory can be credited to Auguste Comte and Emile Durkheim. It is from this proven reality that signifies its advantage as a work. In functionalism, community is considered more important because an individual is developed by the community because individuals are the item or service the public impacts upon them. The impact thinking has on the Functionalism Concept is it has different religious points to every individual. Religion’s functions include confidence, wish, and understanding in an improved energy. “Religious training motivates the well-being of individuals, close relatives, and the community” (Fagan 2006). The indicating of belief is according to people in different societies.

This theory also believes that with every function there is a dysfunctional part of a person’s choice. Every culture has a religion they believe in. It is not actually right or incorrect, but knowing in their social belief is what makes them feel they are right. “In the United States alone, 95% of the population reportedly believes in life after death” (Bainbridge 2006). Every culture out there adapts to their society with includes religion. Functionalists do not like to cause issues. Since individuals believe in different belief systems, they will always experience other individuals who will talk their mind of what they believe.

The Conflict perspective is having the power over people to believe in certain thinking according to an individual’s power or function. This theory is according to those who are developed to high stress circumstances and are stronger under pressure. People who fit in this classification are people with power. It is this power that allows administration of one way or another. The people with power control the lower class people and make them do the things they want. The Conflict theory can be credited to Karl Marx. This theory clearly declares features were not good enough and that understanding allows public progression and change. For example, spiritual cults begin by one individual seeking complete management and showing their own individual philosophy on others to force them and have supporters.

Conflict theorists normally have some conflicting values and ideas that make them compete with other groups of people. The competition between the people begins the character of our changing society. “In contrast, the competing view holds that state support of religion crowds our religious civic engagement, as responsibilities are transferred from citizens to the state” (Traunmüller & Freitag 2011). The Conflict theory is also based on gender differences that can cause a lot of conflict. In the 1800’s, women were unimportant by personal opinions. This is what caused female activists groups to form.

The Symbolic perspective generally specializes in vision imprints people depart on one another and can be credited to Erving Goffman. “His goal was a natural history of communication among humans” (Pettit 2011 pg. 138). This mark according to cosmetic concept or activities from one individual to another allows someone to work in a way that allows an individual to show others what they want them to see. “Front-stage conduct is what you want others to see” (Vissing 2011 Ch. 1.3). This kind of interaction shows people as characters. Actors use their efficiency and movement to what they are trying to get across or what function they are enjoying.

An individual 's status in life patterns that individual 's individuality and opinions. The Symbolic theory is completely according to an individual 's discussion with others to make a personal choice of what they want to believe. This theory is using the evaluation of categories of people who answer and answer situations according to signs. This viewpoint guides sociologists to consider the signs and details of everyday life, what these signs mean, and how people socialize with each other. It defines the roles of an individual’s position in society.

An individual’s status can shape his/her personality and what they believe in. For example, a pastor may speak at church and make a big influence on people by talking about what he believes in. Communities of people act diversely in different configurations. Interacting with people about belief can have a very big effect.

The impact religion has on Symbolic theorists is based on the interaction with other people to make a personal choice about what they want to believe. This theory is based on groups of individuals that respond to different situations based on symbols. It’s a natural reaction to characterize a way a certain group is just by what they may see. “These concepts are called impression management, and can help us determine why people try to change who they are as they are interacting with others” (Vissing 2011 Ch. 1.3). Different groups of people act differently in different settings all the time. Simply just talking with people about religion can have an impact on society.

It does not matter if a person is from here or another country, belief is considered according to their social history. Lifestyle is a big part of our atmosphere. We search for our morality, principles and philosophy according to where we come from. Religion is everywhere, in each society, and has an effect on each person no matter what theory they believe in.

References
Bainbridge, William Sims. Behavioral and Brain Sciences. Cambridge: Oct 2006. Vol. 29, Iss. 5
Fagan Ph.D., Patrick. Why Religion Matters Even More: The Impact of Religious Practice on Social Stability. December 2006. Retrieved January 8, 2012, from http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2006/12/why-religion-matters-even-more-the-impact-of-religious-practice-on-social-stability
Pettit, Michael. History of the Human Sciences. Thousand Oaks: Apr 2011. Vol. 24, Iss. 2; p. 138
Traunmüller, Richard., Freitag, Markus. Comparative Politics. New Brunswick: Apr 2011. Vol. 43, Iss. 3; p. 1
Vissing, Y. (2011). Introduction to Sociology. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Retrieved January 9, 2012, from https://content.ashford.edu

References: Bainbridge, William Sims. Behavioral and Brain Sciences. Cambridge: Oct 2006. Vol. 29, Iss. 5 Fagan Ph.D., Patrick. Why Religion Matters Even More: The Impact of Religious Practice on Social Stability. December 2006. Retrieved January 8, 2012, from http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2006/12/why-religion-matters-even-more-the-impact-of-religious-practice-on-social-stability Pettit, Michael. History of the Human Sciences. Thousand Oaks: Apr 2011. Vol. 24, Iss. 2; p. 138 Traunmüller, Richard., Freitag, Markus. Comparative Politics. New Brunswick: Apr 2011. Vol. 43, Iss. 3; p. 1 Vissing, Y. (2011). Introduction to Sociology. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Retrieved January 9, 2012, from https://content.ashford.edu