An Investigation into the Swiftness and Intensity of Recent Secularization in Canada: Was Berger Right?

SECULARIZATION; INDIVIDUALISM; URBAN policy; SOCIAL history

In this article, we investigate the correlates of recent secularization in Canada since the 1960s. Employing an database which evaluates a random sample of Canadians in terms of 60 beliefs and 77 values, we test seven “theories” of secularization applicable to the Canadian case using measures selected from these lists. We find that two factors emerge as critical in our models: (1) the new paradigm of individualism, together with (2) epistemic shifts related to increased pluralism and to the emergence of a more “materialistic” and evolutionary worldview (especially regarding human life). We argue that any theory seeking to explain the Canadian case must account for these factors and conclude that supply-side theory, continued social differentiation effects (as measured by urbanization), and deprivation–compensation theory all fall short of the mark as master theories explaining the Canadian case, while an interpretation of Berger's theory of pluralism holds some promise in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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