April 7, 2005

U-M measures changing attitudes of Roman Catholics

Data from the World Values Survey, conducted by the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research (ISR), show that the ability of the Roman Catholic hierarchy to tell people how to live their lives is declining steadily.

Among people who identify themselves as Roman Catholics, this identification often does little to predict their values and attitudes.

Percentage Saying that Divorce is Never Justifiable

U.S. Catholics and non-Catholics, from 1981 to 2000

Source: World Values Survey, University of Michigan Institute for Social Research (ISR)

Changing levels of disapproval of abortion in four countries

Source: World Values Survey, University of Michigan Institute for Social Research (ISR)

Changing levels of disapproval of homosexuality in four countries

Source: World Values Survey, University of Michigan Institute for Social Research (ISR)

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Contact: Diane Swanbrow
Phone: (734) 647-9069
E-mail: swanbrow@umich.edu