By relating the empirical world to the super-empirical world religion gives the individual a sense of

security in this rapidly changing world. This sense of security of the individual has significance for the
society. Since religion helps man to forget the suffering, disappointments and sorrows in this life’, social
dissatisfaction and social unrest become less frequent and the social system continues functioning.

2. Religion Promotes Social Integration:

Religion acts as a unifying force and hence, promotes social integration in several ways. Religion plays an
important part in crystallising, symbolising and reinforcing common values and norms. It thus provides
support for social standards, socially accepted behaviour. Common faith, values and norms etc. are
significant in unifying people.

As the individuals perform rituals collectively their devotion to group ends is enhanced. Through a ritual
individual expresses common beliefs and sentiments. It thus helps him to identify himself more with his
fellows, and to distinguish himself more from members of other groups, communities or nations.

By distinguishing between holy and unholy things, religion creates sacred symbol for the values and this
symbol becomes the rallying point for all persons who share the same values. The cow as a sacred
symbol of the Hindus, for example, is a rallying point which gives cohesion to Hindu society.

Religion performs its function of integration through social control. It regulates the conduct of
individuals by enforcing moral principles on them and by prescribing powerful sanctions against them
for violation.