It is generally believed that modernization would greatly reduce the role of
religion both at the individual as well as societal levels of functioning. Yet we note that
even in the 21st century the role of religion continues to be salient across all the
important spheres of life - personal, social, cultural, intellectual, political and economic.
The renewed religious vitality witnessed worldwide makes it important for social
scientists to understand the dynamism and force that religion has in shaping life ways of
the people (Clarke, 2009; Geertz, 1993). Undoubtedly, religion not only plays a vital role
in terms of beliefs and practices connecting to the supernatural, but current research
indicates a host of socio-psychological gains for the individual in terms hope, optimism,
agency, sense of inner control and coping strategies (Deiner & Clifton, 2002; Heelas &
Woodhead, 2005; Hood, Hill & Spilka, 2009; Jodhka, 2012; Paloutzian & Park, 2005;
Pargment, 1997; Pargament & Mahoney, 2005; Park, 2005: Ysseldyk et. al. 2011). At the
group level religious self construal is central to social self construal, collective selfesteem
and morale (Luhtanen & Crocker, 1992). Against this backdrop the present study
explores the interface between religion, self-construal, and social well-being in the
Indian cultural context.
