What does religion do? While religion is a cultural universal, it varies between cultures. Durkheim focused on how religion serves as social cohesion by integrating individuals into society and...

What does religion do? While religion is a cultural universal, it varies between cultures. Durkheim focused on how religion serves as social cohesion by integrating individuals into society and holding society together. Rituals help remind people they are part of something bigger. Conflict theorists such as Marx saw religion as a tool of social control. It gave people a reason to adhere to norms and prevented revolt. Weber studied the relationship between the Protestant ethic and capitalism and the impact of religious ideas on economic activity; he said religion was a catalyst for social change.