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Mapping Weak Signals

Inspired by: scientists/researchers » Growth of atheism in Europe and developed nations

version: 1 / created: 2010-12-09
id: #1229 / version id: #1229
mode: VIEW

Originally submitted by: Rafael Popper
List of all contributors by versions (mouse over)
Last changed by: Rafael Popper
WI-WE status:
submitted unpublished archived

Source of inspiration

Scientists/researchers (incl. reports, plans and statements)

The source of the Weak Signal is

The Cambridge Companion to Atheism (by Michael Martin)

Signal's headline

(max. 9 words)
Growth of atheism in Europe and developed nations

Signal's description

(approx. 150 words)
Please describe the Weak Signal (approx. 150 words)
Recent studies indicate that there is a growing number of countries with "organic atheism" (i.e. wherein non-belief has emerged on its own without governmental coercion). Nordic countries show the highest levels of atheism and thirteen of the Top 20 atheist nations are European. Most of the other countries are developed. Other countries with high rates include: Czech republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, UK, Belgium, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Israel.

Keywords

atheism, religion, God, Nordic, nonbeliever

Mini-description

(max. 250 characters)
Recent studies indicate that there is a growing number of countries with "organic atheism" (i.e. wherein non-belief has emerged on its own without governmental coercion) and thirteen of the Top 20 atheist nations are European.

Signal's first apperance

2000-2005

Signal's potential evolution

It could lead to...
issue type of issue/development potential impact on society timeframe for the issue to become at least 50% probable
#1 Believe in God becomes an indicator of under development new/emerging
 		neutral
 		now-2050
#2 Radical move in Europe to fund research on the meaning of life new/emerging
 		mainly beneficial
 		now-2025

Under what assumption the Weak Signal might evolve.

Recognition of the Weak Signal leads to several European Commission calls for multidisciplinary research on the meaning of life.

Importance

please specify
please select
Level 2: important for a particular world region Nordic countries
Level 3: important for the European Union
Level 4: important for the whole world Developed countries

Filters preventing the signal's monitoring

cultural/religious filters (values, traditions, faith, spiritual beliefs)
institutional filters (rules, laws, regulations)

Comments on selection:

Institutions like the Vatican and other important religious centres will try to stop media and governments attention to this signal.

Key driving forces of this signal

Please use these boxes to provide up to 2 drivers of HIGH importance. Click on HELP to see examples:
Driver 1 Driver 2
Social Excellent public health care Widely accesible housing
Economic Plentiful of food distribution
Values/Ethical/Cultural Religiosity wanes

Major risks & opportunities associated to the signal

Please choose the most appropriate timeframe option(s) to which you would like to provide inputs.
Risks Opportunities
before 2015 Loss of important values traditionally attached to major religions (e.g. to honour/respect parents)
between 2015-2025 New understanding of human existence

Potential stakeholders' actions

short-term actions
(now-2015) 		longer-term
(after 2015)
Policy actors (at the international, European and national levels) Promote research on pros and cos of the growth in atheism
Academic/Research sector Undertake research on the implications of a post-religious society

Signal's relevance for European Grand Challenges

where? please justify:
particularly relevant Europe world
Behavioural change
Social cohesion and diversity

Signal's relevance for thematic research areas

please justify:
particularly relevant
Social Sciences and Humanities

Pan-European strategies influencing the signal

please justify:
particularly relevant
Facilitating and promoting knowledge sharing and transfer

Research-friendly strategies potentially improving understanding of the signal

For further information about 'research-friendly strategies' click here
please justify:
particularly relevant
Addressing cohesion through a localised articulation between supply and demand
(e.g. making research institutions more engaged with their own context and local users; reinforcing knowledge flows into and out of regions; etc.

Signal's relevance for future R&D and STI policies

Note: RTD = research and technology development; STI = science, technology and innovation
Growth in atheism deserves careful attention because it could lead to a growth in the role of Humanities research areas in the next European Framework Programme for Research and Technology Development (FP8).