THE INFLUENCE OF RELIGION ON SOCIAL NORMS IN MULTICULTURAL SOCIETIES: NEGOTIATION, CONFLICT, AND COHESION

Abstract

This article explores the complex role of religion in shaping social norms within multicultural societies. Religion often acts as a powerful source of moral values, identity, and community cohesion, yet it can also be a site of tension in diverse cultural landscapes. Drawing on sociological theories of religion, social norms, and multiculturalism, the study investigates how religious beliefs and practices influence everyday behaviors, legal frameworks, and intergroup relations in pluralistic settings. The article reviews case studies from various multicultural societies to illustrate how religion negotiates coexistence and conflict. The findings highlight the need for inclusive policies that respect religious diversity while promoting social integration and shared norms.