National Identity, Religious Identity and Their Impacts on Subjective Well-Being—A Case Study on Chinese Catholics in Ireland

Abstract

This chapter explores the nature of and relationships between national identity, religious identity and subjective wellbeing for Chinese Catholics in Ireland today. There is a special tension between traditional Chinese values and Catholic beliefs, which presents a unique opportunity for the overseas Chinese to establish their identity in the society. By analysing a survey of the impacts of religious beliefs and practise, lifestyle and social networks, and the sense of belonging among Chinese Catholics in Ireland, this chapter examines the multifaceted relationship between national identity, religious identity and subjective wellbeing. The results reveal that all three of these patterns have significant positive correlations with their perception of their sense of belonging and their understanding of happiness.