Religion is seen as more of a source of tension in Britain than in almost every country in the world, a new global survey conducted by Ipsos Mori has revealed. 47% of Britons believe that tension exists ‘between different religions’, second only to the perceived tension ‘Between immigrants and people born in Britain’ (50%). Humanists UK has stated that the findings emphasise the case for greater efforts to be made in the promotion of integration, particularly in schools.
Asked by pollsters which differences they considered to be the greatest sources of tension in society, divides related to immigration and religion came out on top in Britain, with ethnicity third (41%) and political views fourth (23%). Of all the countries surveyed, just two considered religion to be a greater source of division – Belgium with 50% and India with 48%. Australia was tied with Britain on 47%, while no other country topped 38%.
Despite this, people in Britain were found to be relatively optimistic about the impact that increased integration might have. 46% of respondents said integration with people from different religious backgrounds leads to mutual understanding and respect, and 30% said that integration can lead to misunderstandings but that these can usually be overcome. Just 11% of Britons said that integration with other religious groups causes conflict.
Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson commented, ‘The conclusion drawn from these findings are clear. People in Britain feel more divided along religious lines than almost any other nation in the world, but their appetite for integrating with one another is also greater than in most other countries around the world.
‘The implications of this for policy-makers should be clear. An end to the lazy assumptions that individuals should interact first and foremost within their religious communities, for example in the provision of schools, and a new drive towards integration. The Government’s recently published Integrated Communities Strategy is a good start, but the religious segregation that continues to characterise our education system will surely have to be corrected before people in Britain stop seeing religion as such a major source of division.’
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For further comment or information please contact Humanists UK Education Campaigns Manager Jay Harman on jay@humanists.uk.
Read the full survey results: https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/ct/news/documents/2018-04/bbc-global-survey-a-world-divided-2018.pdf
At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.