They do not, however, explain why those beliefs developed or why different religions developed different beliefs in different ways. Thus, later theorists began looking for these answers. It was argued that capitalism would undermine traditional religious commitment and threaten the cohesion of society. The modern sociological study of society and religion separates into three distinct theoretical camps. The functionalist perspective emphasizes not individual human need, but the need of society.
Functionalists are primarily concerned with the role religion plays in society.
All societal institutions and structures perform a useful purpose in society, creating consensus. Religion is based on this divide. Sacred things act as totems to which groups and individuals ascribe power and importance. Durkheim and Mauss argue that these totems represent society itself or become symbolic of society. Thus, when people worship god they worship society because sacred things are considered superior and man's relationship to them is one of inferiority and dependence.