Final answer:
Religion satisfies psychological needs such as group cohesion, emotional comfort, and existential understanding. It provides a sense of belonging, answers to profound questions, and rituals that establish order and continuity in individuals' lives and society at large.
Step-by-step explanation:
Religions satisfy several psychological needs for individuals and society. Functionalists argue that religion fosters group cohesion and companionship, providing a sense of belonging and comfort especially during times of crisis or transition in life. For instance, Hindu rituals practiced at holy places such as Ram Kund aim to bring salvation to the souls of the deceased, fulfilling the need for emotional comfort and dealing with the afterlife.
Religion also provides answers to existential questions such as the creation of the world, reasons for suffering, life’s purpose, and the possibility of afterlife. It defines the spiritual world and lays down a set of behaviors through religious rules and rituals that create order and shared understanding within a community. Moreover, it can be linked to a natural human tendency or 'god engine' which drives the belief in divine forces.
The roles religion plays in life stages from birth to death, encapsulated in ceremonies like baptism, marriage, or funerals, establish deep emotional and cognitive connections, supporting the development of self-identity and social structure.