Catholics: their beliefs, practices and opinions in Argentina (2019)

Abstract

This article analizes the composition and socio-demographic characteristics of the Catholic population from empirical data obtained in the Second National Survey of Religious Beliefs and Attitudes in Argentina. This Survey was carried out in 2019 with population over 18 years of age in households located in urban areas through a multi-stage sample of 2421 cases. This work describes the socio-demographic characteristics of the Catholic population in contemporary Argentina. It also addresses the diversity of beliefs of Catholics and their practices in the public and private space. Furthermore, religious practices and beliefs related or not to institutional prescriptions are described. Finally, the opinions of Catholics regarding controversial issues related to the Church, the family, the rights of people and Argentine society are presented. In conclusion, Catholics are a plural population, whose number has decreased since 2008. They are believers, and their practices and opinions show high degrees of autonomy in relation with the prescriptions of the Church