In The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, Emile Durkheim argues that, in the past, religion was a powerful source of social solidarity. Why?

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Durkheim argues that religion was a powerful source of social solidarity because it reinforced collective bonds and cultivated shared moral values. Religion provided a sense of belonging and shared identity, which led to the creation of a collective conscience that unified individuals within a society. By participating in religious rituals and ceremonies, individuals reaffirmed their commitment to the group, and this strengthened their social ties. Therefore, religion was seen as a fundamental aspect of social order and cohesion.

In the Elementary Forms of Religious Life, Emile Durkheim Argues