EDUCATION (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Social scientists recognize that religion exists as an organized and integrated set of beliefs, behaviors, and norms centered on basic social needs and values. Moreover, religion is a cultural universal found in all social groups.

Detailed explanation-2: -Since religion is such an important part of societies around the world, sociologists are very interested in studying it. Sociologists study religion as both a belief system and a social institution. As a belief system, religion shapes what people think and how they see the world.

Detailed explanation-3: -According to Durkheim, every society distinguishes between the sacred-things and ideas that are set apart and given a special meaning that goes beyond, or transcends, immediate existence-and the profane, or nonsacred aspects of life.

Detailed explanation-4: -The sociologist Emile Durkheim defined religion as a “unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things. ” By sacred things he meant things “set apart and forbidden-beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community called a Church, all those who adhere to them”.