Demographic Imperatives and Religious Markets: Considering the Individual and Interactive Roles of Fertility and Switching in Group Growth

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Citation

Scheitle, Christopher P.; Kane, Jennifer Buher; & Van Hook, Jennifer (2011). Demographic Imperatives and Religious Markets: Considering the Individual and Interactive Roles of Fertility and Switching in Group Growth. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 50(3), 470-482. PMCID: PMC3267579

Abstract

Two models seeking to explain the growth and decline of religious groups are prevalent in the literature. The religious market approach emphasizes the role of intergroup competition and in doing so focuses on religious switching. Another perspective emphasizes demographic mechanisms, particularly fertility. Research to date has not considered how switching and fertility interact as mechanisms of growth. Switching and fertility share a significant role in the growth trajectory of a religious group. Early success in gaining members through switching has an important long-term impact which fertility alone cannot produce. The age of those switching into a group can also have significant consequences for the effects of fertility.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-5906.2011.01580.x

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2011

Journal Title

Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion

Author(s)

Scheitle, Christopher P.
Kane, Jennifer Buher
Van Hook, Jennifer

PMCID

PMC3267579