Spanish & Scottish Catholicism: A comparative study on social and familial cohesion.

Abstract

This research explored societal and familial connectedness and cohesion amongst Catholics from South-West (Spain) and Edinburgh, Scotland and nearby, based upon ethnographic work in Southern Spain and in-depth qualitative interviews with 6 Spanish and Scottish Catholics. Data was gathered from practising and non-practicing Catholics. The two geographical areas are very different yet are both home to well-established religious identities. Participants were of varying backgrounds, degrees of religious dedication and age. The research aim was a comparative study of a religion in two very different social and cultural contexts, with the primary focus upon Catholicism and its impact upon the family unit and social capital.