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Religion

If the very major - and continuing - role played by religion is ignored, Dutch history is difficult to understand. Religious motivations, traditions and organisational structures continue to manifest themselves in the Netherlands today; they play a role in discussions about topics as diverse as social integration, civic participation and the configuration of institutions within our society (such as education, mass media, care institutions, politics and associational life).

Religious faith
Changes in the area of religion have been a theme of research at SCP for a considerable time. They may involve shifts in the traditional Christian faith and church attendance, but also the rise of alternative manifestations of faith (migrant churches, evangelical congregations, new rituals, postmodern spirituality). In more recent years, SCP has also begun studying the religious faith of Muslims and members of migrant religions.

Secularisation
SCP also studies the process of secularisation in the Netherlands. That process is continuing steadily, and the Netherlands is in fact one of the leading countries in this regard. It is also possible to determine the sensitivity of Islam in the Netherlands to secularisation. At the same time, SCP looks at how the Dutch population views the range of paracultural offerings, New Age alternative healing methods and traditional forms of superstition.

Detailed surveys
More detailed surveys are also carried out to monitor religious changes, such as the 'God in the Netherlands' surveys that have been carried out since 1966 by the KRO broadcasting organisation and the Survey of Socio-cultural Trends in the Netherlands (SOCON, which has been carried out since 1979.

Research at SCP
The research on religion is carried out primarily by the Participation & Governance research group. You will find information here on current and recently completed projects.

More information

Organisations which bring together researchers in the field of religion: