Émile Durkheim (1858–1917), one of the founding figures of modern sociology, viewed religion as a social phenomenon rather than merely a private belief. In his seminal work The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, he argued that religion is not just a system of beliefs about the divine but primarily a social mechanism that fosters cohesion and solidarity within a community. According to Durkheim, religion serves as a form of "social glue"—a system of symbols, rituals, and beliefs that provide a collective identity and structure society as a whole.
Religion as a Collective Experience
Durkheim emphasized that religious experience does not occur solely on an individual level but is primarily a social phenomenon. Through religious rituals, festivals, and ceremonies, members of a community share intense emotional experiences that generate a sense of unity and belonging.
According to Durkheim, such collective moments create an energy that bonds individuals together. When a group gathers for a religious ceremony, participants experience something greater than themselves—a force that transcends individuals and gives meaning to their lives. This force, he argued, is society itself, reflected through religious symbols.
The Distinction Between the Sacred and the Profane
A key concept in Durkheim’s theory is the distinction between the sacred and the profane. While the profane represents the realm of everyday life, where individuals engage in private and practical matters, the sacred refers to what is revered, awe-inspiring, and collectively shared by the community.
Durkheim asserted that this distinction is not based solely on religious doctrine but is a social function. Even objects or events that are not inherently supernatural can become sacred if a community attributes special symbolic value to them.
Religion as a Moral System
For Durkheim, religion is not merely a belief in deities but a moral system that defines the norms and values governing society. It dictates how individuals should behave, establishes ethical boundaries, and serves as a tool for social regulation.
Additionally, religion provides individuals with meaning and purpose. By offering ideas of an afterlife, reward, and punishment, it frames human existence within a broader cosmic context. In this sense, religion not only unites people but also provides stability in the face of life’s uncertainties.
Religion in the Modern World: Secularization and New Forms of Solidarity
Durkheim recognized that in the modern era, traditional religion was losing its power as a unifying force. However, he did not believe that society could function without similar mechanisms. He argued that even in secular societies, there are "civil religions"—ideologies such as nationalism, science, democracy, or social justice—that provide a sense of belonging and meaning similar to traditional religions.
He maintained that even in secular nations, symbols, rituals, and ideas attain a "sacred" status. National flags, anthems, and constitutions can function in ways similar to religious traditions by fostering collective identity and upholding moral principles shared by the community.
Criticism of Durkheim’s Approach
While Durkheim’s perspective offers profound insights into the social function of religion, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that it reduces religion to a purely social phenomenon and overlooks the personal and spiritual dimensions of faith. Others contend that his model is most applicable to traditional religions with clear collective rituals but less relevant to modern religions that emphasize individual belief.
Nevertheless, Durkheim’s ideas remain influential, particularly in analyses of new religious movements, ideological movements, and secular societies seeking substitutes for traditional religious frameworks.
