The changing contours and effects of religion in Romania

Using data from the European Values Surveys, this study examines the nature of religious change in post-communist Romania, and the impact of Romanian religiosity on parental values. These patterns are explored in light of religious marketplace and secularization theories. Guided by a theoretical framework that synthesizes religious market and secularization theories, five hypotheses are generated and tested. Results from regression analysis indicate that a revival of religion occurred in the past twenty years but neither theory explains the whole picture. The high level of religiosity in Romania is more of the result of its low level of urbanization, modernization and industrialization. In line with previous research conducted in the U.S., religious factors are strongly linked with parental values in Romania. However, as a unique case, the transitional process, social changes, political climate, and economic development are also crucial to explaining parental values in Romania.