Describe and compare how cultural differences create misunderstanding in contemporary communities. I thought that some beliefs were strange, harmful, or very silly. This essay examines the function of belief in alleviating anxiety and uncertainty. Malinowski in 1939 thought that religion functions to relieve anxiety and uncertainty in society.
Prayer alleviates anxiety about illnesses.
New England fishermen using charms If they had their charms, they would be protected from bad luck at sea. Ghost dance Native Americans were traumatized from contact with European Americans. A prophet arose to teach them to be impervious to injury. The examples appear to support Malinowski's hypothesis. Although previously I would have thought these beliefs would be harmful or silly, I can understand how people might respond with magical or religious beliefs in times of uncertainty or anxiety.