What is it about?
This empirical study investigates the transformation of religiosity in Spain over two decades, from 1998 to 2018. Using data from three waves of surveys on religious topics, the research examines changes in religious beliefs, practices, and controversies, as well as the evolution of religious socialization. The findings reveal a clear trend towards declining religious belief and practice, coupled with a significant rise in atheistic and non-religious attitudes. The study also highlights the reducing impact of primary religious socialization during childhood, while sociodemographic variables like age and ideology have maintained or increased their influence in shaping religious or non-religious positions.
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Why is it important?
This research provides crucial insights into the changing religious landscape of Spain, a country with historically strong Catholic traditions. The findings are significant for understanding broader societal shifts in values and beliefs, which have implications for social policy, education, and cultural practices. By identifying the decreasing influence of traditional religious socialization and the increasing importance of factors like age and ideology, the study contributes to our understanding of how religious attitudes are formed and changed in modern societies. This knowledge is valuable for religious institutions, policymakers, and social scientists studying secularization trends and their impacts on society. Moreover, the study's longitudinal approach offers a robust picture of religious change over time, providing a solid foundation for predicting future trends and understanding the dynamics of religious and secular worldviews in contemporary Spain.
Perspectives
As one of the researchers involved in this study, I found the process of analyzing two decades of religious change in Spain both fascinating and challenging. The clear trend towards secularization and the rise of non-religious attitudes were expected, but the nuances in how these changes occurred were truly enlightening. What struck me most was the shift in the mechanisms of belief transmission - seeing how traditional religious socialization has given way to more individualized and ideological factors in shaping religious views. This research has deepened my understanding of the complex interplay between societal changes, individual beliefs, and cultural traditions. It also highlighted for me the importance of long-term, empirical studies in capturing subtle yet significant social transformations. I believe this work contributes valuable insights to the ongoing dialogue about the role of religion in modern societies and the nature of secularization processes.
PhD Juan Sebastián Fernández-Prados
Universidad de Almeria
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Religious Beliefs and Socialization: An Empirical Study on the Transformation of Religiosity in Spain from 1998 to 2018, Religions, July 2024, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/rel15070848.
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