Comparative research: different religious attitudes of young people in Australia and Thailand

Comparative research: different religious attitudes of young people in Australia and Thailand

Although a number of traditional religious beliefs have been eroded among young Thai Buddhists, there is no sign that they will abandon Buddhism and become unaffiliated; but among young Australians, religion is approached from an individualist perspective, Philip Hughes, Parichart Suwanbubbha and Janram Chaisri observe in an article based on a comparative research on spirituality among young people in Australia and Thailand (Social Compass, 55/3, Sept. 2008).

Both Thai and Australian young people see religious practice as an optional extra; happiness in the world comes first in both countries. However, although ideas of heaven or nirvana are not popular among young Thais, religion continues to be part of the cultural framework in which they live, and the consider it as important. Young Australians, on the other hand, do not feel a need for belonging to a religion and locate religious authority in the individual, not in institutions.

The authors of the article conclude that, while some trends are found across cultures, this does not mean that there will be one global future for religion, but that it will perform different functions in different contexts.

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