Religion includes a set of beliefs that define a way in which individual live and interact with others in society. Through the different norms that pertain different religions, it exercises social control. Religious people believe that to be pious, one has to think and practice specific values and customs. One could say that the search for religion is the search for answers ( Keirns et al., 2013, p. 336) . Adherents view all social norms with a strong foundation in their faith. Religion has long-reaching effects on how people view the social constructs.
No matter how holy faith is seen to be, the fact is that religion is a social establishment. Each doctrine has a unique set of practices. Sociologists have always been interested in the study of different faiths ( Keirns et al., 2013, p. 334) . How does a believer feel when they feel connected to their divine being? What traditions does a person follow to be faithful? Social theorists have come with different theories to relate to religion and society. These sociologists believe that a dominant religion has the power to change the economic outlook of a state.
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Another way in which religion exercise social control on people can be explained using the rational choice theory (RCT) and the dynamics related to how religion manipulates this theory ( Keirns et al., 2013, p. 334) . This theory asserts that people are self-interested. This does not, however mean that they are selfish. Religion manipulates this by a presentation of doctrines that against self-centered. It encourages thinking about others and putting the needs of others before personal needs.
Functionalists believe that religion forms the basis of interaction, networking, and social support. Individuals in such circles have similar values, mostly defined by religion ( Keirns et al., 2013, p. 336) . They live by such value and believe there are consequences that are attached to living otherwise. Being that religion defines such values, it directly or indirectly exercises social control on the individuals.
References
Keirns, N. J., Strayer, E., Griffiths, H., Cody-Rydzewski, S., Scaramuzzo, G., Sadler, T., ... & Jones, F. (2013). Introduction to sociology . OpenStax College, Rice University.
