Postsecularism in Europe: Trends and regional differentiation

Presentation abstract

Regional differences in the development of religious landscapes: the case of two Austrian provinces

Religious affiliation is receiving much attention in the public debate throughout Europe, with Austria being no exception. However, data on the number of affiliates to different religions are rather scarce: the 2001 census was the last collection on religious affiliation and thus demographic modelling techniques are needed to provide estimates beyond this point. Furthermore, there are substantial variations at the regional level, particularly depending on the impact of secularization patterns and differentiated migration. We compare the religious landscape in Austria and two Austrian provinces – Vienna and Vorarlberg – with special regard to secularization and the diverse composition of countries of origin within different religious groups. Furthermore, we analyze the development of religiosity over time as a result of different migration waves and changes in religiosity patterns. The reconstruction of the population’s religious composition for 2018 shows that Vorarlberg follows similar trends as those observed in Vienna since 2001: a decline in the share of Roman Catholics, an increase in the share of Muslims and a strong rise in the religiously unaffiliated population. We will point out similarities in trends as well as notable differences between the two regions in terms of their changing religious landscapes and secularization patterns.