Problems in Measuring Diachronic Religious Behavior, or Using Indicators to ‘Make a Virtue of Necessity’: The Case of the Netherlands (1975–2005)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to show the different advantages and drawbacks of the main quantitative indicators used in research on diachronic religious behavior. We will demonstrate that religious affiliation has to be used in long-term studies; although it is extremely imprecise, it is often available over long time periods. Instead, the best solution for medium-term studies is to use frequency of attendance at religious services. This indicator is more accurate than religious affiliation, but is only widely available from the 1960s-1970s onwards. Finally, the most suitable indicator for shortterm analysis is obtained from diary-based time-use studies. It is the most precise of the three indicators, but the source is less readily available, as these surveys have only been conducted in most countries in the last 30 years. This study is based on data from Time Use Surveys conducted in the Netherlands every five years from 1975 to 2005.

Is There Really ‘Another’ Counterexample to the Secularization Thesis? Religious Dynamics in Italy between 1910 and 2013

“…Given the above, it should be relatively easy to identify and explain any changes in current trends. However, documented variations in the development of this process are both quite rare and difficult to measure (Voas and Chaves 2016; Scappini 2018). Indeed, as is known, the size of the error and the erratic nature of studies on religious behaviour prevent a clear, unambiguous reading of what has happened.…”