Very interesting analysis, but I would like to see the statistics behind the findings — sample size and significance, control of other variables (e.g., age), … etc.
The part below 'Onderwijsniveau' (= Education level) is what is important. Google translate:
(begin quote)
"Religious affiliation decreases with educational level. Of those who have completed only primary education, 61 percent consider themselves a member of a religious denomination or philosophy of life, compared to 34 percent of university graduates. Here too, there are differences by religion. Among Catholics, three distinct groups can be distinguished. Of those who have completed primary or pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO), over a quarter are Catholic; of those with secondary or higher professional education, this is approximately 18 percent, and of university graduates, 13 percent. Among Protestants, on the other hand, there is hardly any variation: at almost all levels of education, approximately 16 percent are Protestant. University graduates are an exception, with 11 percent.
Of the group with only primary education, 12 percent are Muslim. This share is significantly higher than at other levels of education, where it is 3 to 5 percent. Within the "other denomination" group, there is little difference by educational level.
When it comes to regular attendance at religious services, there's a three-way split. Of the two groups with the lowest educational levels, almost one in five attends a prayer service at least once a month; among those with secondary and higher professional education, this figure is one in eight, and among university graduates, one in ten"
Very interesting analysis, but I would like to see the statistics behind the findings — sample size and significance, control of other variables (e.g., age), … etc.
I like how you take us on a narrative trip through the possibilities in your pieces like this. Love the twists and turns.
Here in the Netherlands religiosity is low. But it's fascinating to see how higher degrees here mean less (not more) religious involvement.
The below link is from Statistics Netherlands, a government agency that keeps score of a LOT of things. Link is in Dutch, results are from 2020.
https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/longread/statistische-trends/2020/religie-in-nederland/3-religieuze-betrokkenheid-naar-achtergrondkenmerken
The part below 'Onderwijsniveau' (= Education level) is what is important. Google translate:
(begin quote)
"Religious affiliation decreases with educational level. Of those who have completed only primary education, 61 percent consider themselves a member of a religious denomination or philosophy of life, compared to 34 percent of university graduates. Here too, there are differences by religion. Among Catholics, three distinct groups can be distinguished. Of those who have completed primary or pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO), over a quarter are Catholic; of those with secondary or higher professional education, this is approximately 18 percent, and of university graduates, 13 percent. Among Protestants, on the other hand, there is hardly any variation: at almost all levels of education, approximately 16 percent are Protestant. University graduates are an exception, with 11 percent.
Of the group with only primary education, 12 percent are Muslim. This share is significantly higher than at other levels of education, where it is 3 to 5 percent. Within the "other denomination" group, there is little difference by educational level.
When it comes to regular attendance at religious services, there's a three-way split. Of the two groups with the lowest educational levels, almost one in five attends a prayer service at least once a month; among those with secondary and higher professional education, this figure is one in eight, and among university graduates, one in ten"
(end quote)