The Effects of Religious Attendance on Immigrant Political Participation in Australia

Abstract

Although prior research suggests that religious attendance matters in the formation of citizens’ political life, few studies have examined the political significance of religious attendance for immigrants in Australia and how it influences immigrant political participation in Australia. This article analyzes the 2013 Australian Election Study Data using logit models. The analysis supports previous research which shows that religious attendance influences political participation among immigrants in different ways. However, the results are somewhat complex. The article also finds that religious faith is directly linked to political participation. It identifies a clear divide between those who have a religious faith and those who do not, and this divide influences political participation among immigrants. The findings suggest that religion has important implications for understanding immigrant political participation and for future research on religion and politics in Australia more broadly.