Confessional Cultures and European Identity: Religion, Ideology, and Economics
Brent F. Nelsen|James L. Guth
Proponents of greater European political unity through the development Union (EU) have long sought to foster a “European” identity among citizens as way advancing their cause. And there is now substantial body scholarship devoted understanding social, economic, and demographic factors contributing such an identity. Recently, has been growing interest in cultural influences, but possible impact religion largely ignored. Using Eurobarometer 65.2 (2006), we show that religious groups differ systematically propensity take markers. multivariate analysis, demonstrate Catholics are most likely be cognitive “Europeans”, while Protestants other Christians less perspectives. Religiosity tends reinforce dominant each tradition. These differences persist even under statistical controls for demonstrated although effects strongest old Western “core” EU. The long-term decline Catholic religiosity thus important implications future identities: growth will depend increasingly on “diffuse” more variable successful economic management by EU national governments.
Religions