A comparative study of Hong Kong and Taiwan students’ attitudes towards religion and its influence on moral and social attitudes

Hong Kong and Taiwan are frequently used to compare different aspects of social, political and cultural life. Each society has been deeply influenced by a common cultural background but different historical and political experiences. Since both societies participated in the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) 2009, it is now possible to compare directly students on a range of social, political and civic attributes. In this presentation, the focus will be on comparing Hong Kong and Taiwanese students’ attitudes to religion, the factors that influence these attitudes and the effect of such attitudes on more general social attitudes. The presentation will conclude with a recommendation for an ongoing research agenda in the area of religion and students’ civic values.