DEMOCRACY AND RELIGION IN TAIWAN. THE TESTING OF A MODEL.
DEMOCRACY AND RELIGION IN TAIWAN. THE TESTING OF A MODEL.

Summary/Abstract: In this paper I am analyzing the relationship between religion and democracy in Taiwan, by putting it in comparative perspective. Previous findings indicate that in the new democracies o Central and Eastern Europe, religious participation has an effect on the formation of democratic political culture at the individual level. However, this effect is not contingent upon denomination, but rather every national historical, political, cultural and social context determines whether church going is a worthwhile activity for the development of a civic citizenry. By combining quantitative and qualitative data, I assess the applicability of this model on the non-Christian case that is Taiwan. My results suggest that church going in Taiwan is conducive to gathering civic skills, and different denominations are found to collaborate in order to deepen democratic development.

• Details
• Contents