Durkheim evolved a functional explanation for the existence of religion in the world.He observed its existence as a social fact and not as a supernatural phenomenon.He also focused on the role of religion in forging social solidarity by unifying individuals in the worship of an entity far greater than themselves, namely,society itself.He denied that religion is concerned with the mysterious, with gods and spirits.Furthermore, He considered science as an extension of religion and sees no conflict between them.
According to Radcliffe-Brown,the function of religion is to create a two-fold feeling of dependence on society and thereby obtain the individual’s concurrence with the social norms, the ultimate aim being social survival.
He emphasised how religion functions to uphold the collective social order. It binds individuals together and integrates them into the larger community by providing shared symbols and practices.
Malinowski argued that the main function of religion is to help individuals and society deal with the emotional stresses.The second function of religion according to him is to help people deal with situations or events which could not be fully controlled or predicted.Unlike Durkheim, Malinowski did not see religion as reflecting society as a whole,he argued that religion had a more specific function,that is of reinforcing solidarity during times of emotional stress that threaten to undermine the stability of society.