Which of the following elements is NOT considered part of the definition of religion?

The element considered to be NOT part of the definition of religion is social structures. In the study of religion, key components typically include sacred beliefs, emotional feelings, and overt conduct, which focus more on the internal and experiential aspects of belief systems and practices. Sacred beliefs refer to the core tenets that followers hold as true and significant, while emotional feelings encompass the personal and communal sentiments that arise from engaging with these beliefs. Overt conduct relates to the observable behaviors and rituals undertaken by adherents of a religion.

On the other hand, social structures, while often associated with religion in societal contexts—such as how communities form around shared beliefs—are more about the organizational aspects rather than the fundamental definition of what constitutes a religion. Social structures can vary greatly among different religions and do not define the essence of religion itself, which is more concerned with the spiritual and subjective experiences of its followers.