What psychological functions do monsters like zombies serve in society?

Monsters like zombies serve as a cultural reflection of societal fears and anxieties, particularly around themes such as mortality. The representation of zombies invokes existential dread, illustrating society's preoccupations with death, the loss of individuality, and the breakdown of social order. In various narratives, zombies often symbolize the fear of disease, the collapse of civilization, or the loss of control over one's body and mind, acting as metaphors for deeper psychological concerns.

While community cohesion, entertainment value, and the celebration of cultural traditions are significant aspects of monster lore, they don't encapsulate the primary psychological functions that monsters serve in reflecting and confronting our collective fears. Instead, the portrayal of zombies resonates with audiences by articulating unacknowledged anxieties, prompting reflection and dialogue about these themes in a safe and engaging context.