religiositet

Religiositet, or religiosity, denotes the degree to which individuals express religious beliefs, participate in worship and rituals, and align with the norms and practices of a religious tradition. It can include cognitive components (doctrinal beliefs), behavioral components (worship, prayer, observance), experiential aspects (felt sense of the sacred), and social aspects (identity and belonging within a faith community).

In sociology and psychology, religiosity is often analyzed using a multi-dimensional approach. A classic distinction is between intrinsic religiosity—internal, personally motivated commitment to religious beliefs—and extrinsic religiosity, pursued for social or practical benefits. Glock and Stark proposed five dimensions: belief, practice, experience, knowledge, and consequences of religious life on behavior and society.

Measurement of religiosity relies on validated scales. The Duke University Religion Index (DUREL) assesses organizational and non-organizational religious activity and intrinsic religiosity, while the Religious Commitment Inventory (RCI-10) and other instruments capture centrality and depth of commitment. Cross-cultural comparisons must account for different religious landscapes and languages.

Religiosity varies across regions, cultures, and historical periods. Secularization theories argue that modernization reduces religious commitment in many societies, yet religious vitality remains strong in others, and global interconnectedness increases exposure to plural beliefs. Demographic patterns show differences by gender, age, education, and socioeconomic status, though findings are not uniform.

In research, religiosity is linked in varying ways to well-being, moral reasoning, social capital, and health, but results are mixed and often contingent on which dimensions are measured and how outcomes are defined. Causation is difficult, and measurement issues, including cultural bias and response style, complicate interpretation.

Distinctions from spirituality and religious identity are common points of debate in academic discourse.