Switzerland: Study shows the practice of religion becoming more and more self-centred
In Switzerland, sociologists have studied religiosity and the spirituality of the Swiss population through the nation research program called “Religious communities, state and society,” funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (NSF). The study was carried out with 1229 participants and 73 extended interviews.
In a statement released October 27th 2014 on the NSF website, the researchers noted the development of a “marked individualization”. Increasingly, “each person decides for himself what he wishes to believe and how he will practice religion.” In this context, “individual utility and the personal situation are paramount.” Both among believers and non-believers, “myself, the ego, has become the reference point for decision making.”
Because of the freedom of choice, the sociologists noted that “the religious sphere is under growing pressure from competition,” since individuals now evaluate “religious as well as secular propositions on the basis of benefits and cost.” According to the study, the chief competition is from “leisure activities capable of taking the place of religious activities,” as in for example, “children and young people play football” on Sundays.”
In general, over half the Swiss (57%) describe themselves as “distant” from religion which is “less and less well perceived,” since 85% of those surveyed either mostly agree or entirely agree with the statement that “in light of current world events” religion is “more a source of conflict than a source of peace.”
The study was published in German. A French version will be issued in spring 2015.
(Sources: kipa-apic.ch – NSF – La Tribune de Genève – DICI no. 305, 21/11/14)
Read also :
Switzerland: Significant increase in “no religious affiliation” in Geneva
Switzerland : “One Swiss citizen out of five has no religious affiliation”
Switzerland: Between 25,000 and 30,000 “leave” the Catholic church in 2010
Switzerland: The Swiss bishops face reduced revenue for the Catholic Church
Switzerland: Priests Have Diminished by Half since 1970
