This freedom allows people to join together to promote common interests. This freedom also gives substance to other essential rights and freedoms. For example, the freedoms of speech and expression have little practical meaning unless people have the right to join together to make their words and thoughts known. For few of us are influential enough to make our own individual voices heard. For similar reasons, the freedom of association helps society safeguard other freedoms and associations enumerated in the constitution.
Associative activities reap additional benefits for society.
There are many differences among members of any society, and individuals and groups have diverse interests and needs. The freedom of association allows individuals and groups to pursue their common interests and thus supports the development of pluralism and tolerance. Moreover, it creates a safety valve for social pressures and energies that build up within any society by providing individuals with a mechanism to express their concerns. Finally, associative activity provides indirect support for the success and growth of market economies. This is best demonstrated by the work of Prof. Robert Putnam of Harvard University who conducted a twenty-year socioeconomic study in Italy.