What makes religion a powerful agent of socialization? Religion provides a divine justification for existing social norms. It teaches us that social norms are simply leftover from outdated traditions. It teaches us that social norms are the result of in-groups competing with out-groups.
Parental religious participation is the most influential part of religious socialization–more so than religious peers or religious beliefs. For example, children raised in religious homes are more likely to have some degree of religiosity in their lives.
Religion is an agent of social control and thus strengthens social order. Religion teaches people moral behavior and thus helps them learn how to be good members of society. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the Ten Commandments are perhaps the most famous set of rules for moral behavior.
Religious socialization is the process through which an individual learns and internalizes religious beliefs, attitudes, values, and behaviors (Bengtson et al. This process occurs through interactions with socializing agents, including parents, religious organizations, and peers (Clausen et al. …
It is suggested that the future influence of the church as an agency of socialization and social control will continue to be conditioned upon its identification by the individual with the felt needs, both “spirit- ual” and temporal, of its members and of the whole of society.
Several institutional and other sources of socialization exist and are called agents of socialization. The first of these, the family, is certainly the most important agent of socialization for infants and young children.
Family. Family is the first and most important agent of socialization. Mothers and fathers, siblings and grandparents, plus members of an extended family, all teach a child what he or she needs to know.
Is religion a blessing?
Religions have been a blessing to mankind in myriad ways. Religions have created standards of behavior and morality, the foundation for an orderly society. … Religion provides social contact and gives meaning to life. It also promotes empathy for the less fortunate, encouraging acts of kindness and support.
How does religion act as a source of meaning?
From this perspective, religion serves several purposes, like providing answers to spiritual mysteries, offering emotional comfort, and creating a place for social interaction and social control. In providing answers, religion defines the spiritual world and spiritual forces, including divine beings.
What are the five functions of religion?
These include (a) giving meaning and purpose to life, (b) reinforcing social unity and stability, (c) serving as an agent of social control of behavior, (d) promoting physical and psychological well-being, and (e) motivating people to work for positive social change.