Religion and trust in Canada
Date
2009
Authors
Fairweather, Natasha A.D.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Sociology, c2009
Abstract
Research on social capital during the past two decades has shown that willingness
to trust is linked to a host of individual and social outcomes, such as health,
education, democracy, and robust economies. In this thesis I examine the ways in
which religion may affect attitudes of trust, employing both quantitative and
qualitative research methods. Specifically, three aspects of religion have been
examined: denominational affiliation, spiritual belief, and the nature of the social
interactions of the members of a faith community. Contextual factors relating a
particular tradition to the broader society have also been included in the analysis.
My findings suggest that although there is scant evidence to the effect of theology on
trust, a much stronger influence on trust comes from the nature of social
interactions (in the form of community‐building) and contextual factors (i.e., having
a history of discrimination or being a resident of Quebec).
Description
ix, 154 leaves ; 29 cm
Keywords
Trust -- Religious aspects , Trust -- Social aspects , Trust -- Canada , Dissertations, Academic