Addressing religious practices in Sub-Saharan Africa: Insights from a longitudinal study in rural Mali
Demography
34
Issue: 1
(02 - 2020)
Background: In censuses and demographic surveys, religion is recorded as a variable of state,
assuming that individuals' religious affiliation is unique and definitive. However, in sub-Saharan
Africa, pluralism are commonplace. In this paper, we discussed the relevance and feasibility of a
statistical approach to religious practices, taking into consideration their complexity and
variability over an individual's lifetime.
Data Source and methodes: We used longitudinal data collected since 25 years in the south-east of
Mali, among a population where traditional and Christian religions coexist. We compared the results
of a classic cross-sectional approach with those obtained via a longitudinal approach that tal‹es
into consideration individuals' religious trajectories.
Résultats: Plurality and variability in religious practices are confirmed. Most individuals, at
some point in their lives, become affiliated with different religions. Mobility and reversibility
in religious affiliation are common.
Conclusion: The relevance of cross-sectional data on religious affiliation for demographic analysis
is therefore questionable.
Keywords: religion, religious pluralism, religious affiliation, Africa, Mali
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