By The Smartencyclopedia Staff 

January 7, 2024

As Canada grapples with deep economic challenges, a recent analysis by Mario Canseco sheds light on the shifting considerations of affluence and religion within Canadian society. The intersection of economic pressures, individual priorities, and cultural nuances is revealing a dynamic landscape.

In a piece for Business in Vancouver, Canseco delves into the evolving relationship between affluence, religion, and societal values. Amidst concerns about inflation, housing issues, homelessness, and poverty, Canadians are, perhaps unsurprisingly, placing a higher premium on affluence and comfort over traditional religious affiliations. The desire for a life of well-being and freedom is paramount, especially in the face of economic uncertainties.

Canadians, often regarded as a well-informed population, have been periodically surveyed by Research Co. The results highlight the stability of certain values even in the face of shifting priorities. Family and friends, alongside affluence and comfort, remain cornerstones of a good life for Canadians. While there is a minor decrease in the perceived importance of these aspects, they continue to play pivotal roles in shaping societal well-being.

Interestingly, Canseco’s analysis reveals regional disparities in national pride. Albertans seem to exhibit higher levels of national pride, while Quebecers appear to be less inclined towards it. Affluence, in particular, holds greater importance among men and younger Canadians (defined as ages 18 to 34), possibly reflecting changing generational attitudes.

Canseco observes a decline in the importance of religion, signaling a dominance of a liberalized religious culture coupled with a growing secular mindset. However, he cautions against interpreting this as a shift towards a fully secularized society, citing the 2023 Freedom of Thought Report by Humanists International.

Despite the diminishing importance of traditional religious affiliations, Canadians are increasingly identifying as spiritual. This aligns with a broader trend observed in various publications. The decline in religious significance does not necessarily translate into a victory, as the void left by traditional beliefs is often filled by spirituality.

Canseco underscores that the shift towards spirituality is not merely a rejection of religious content but reflects a deeper transformation in cognitive styles. While religious beliefs may be discarded, the cognitive styles developed through indoctrination persist, leading to a transition towards spirituality as a form of meaning-making.

This shift in spiritual identification also correlates with political affiliations. Canseco notes that supporters of the Liberal Party and NDP are more likely to identify as spiritual, while Conservative Party voters display a more balanced distribution between spiritual and religious identities.

With only half of Canadians identifying as Christian, a significant portion of the population aligns with atheistic or agnostic views. The prevalence of secular attitudes is particularly pronounced in British Columbia. The frequency of religious service attendance has declined, with many attending only for special gatherings, while weekly services are on the rise.

In the context of prevailing economic challenges, affluence emerges as a significant concern for Canadians, eclipsing the waning importance of traditional religious ties. Canseco’s insights provide valuable perspectives on the evolving socio-cultural landscape in Canada, highlighting the intricate interplay of economic realities and shifting societal values.