Section A - Socio-economic and Cultural Background

Summary

Background

81. The questions in this section seek to define social differentiation in both socio-economic and cultural terms. Socio-economic variables include factors such as income levels and housing. Cultural variables include factors such as educational levels and language used at home. In seeking to understand socio-economic status in inter-generational terms, this section also delves into the socio-economic and cultural background of respondents' parents. The purpose is to find out if there are significant differences in class status and background between members of different denominations. Where possible, a chi-square test of independence was performed to determine whether there was a significant relationship between the variables.

82. The gross monthly personal income categories we have selected are: no income, $1,999 and below, $2,000 to $4,999, $5,000 to $9,999 and $10,000 and above. The second and third categories accord with the 1^st to 50^th percentile and 51^st to 90^th percentile of average monthly income per household member in 2010 respectively (Department of Statistics 2011, p. 12).

83. For the sample surveyed, 15.4 per cent of respondents have no income, 18.8 per cent earn $1,999 and below per month, 38.7 per cent earn from $2,000 to $4,999 per month, 17.8 per cent earn from $5,000 to $9,999 per month and 9.3 per cent earn $10,000 and above per month (see Figure A3-1).

84. When income levels are compared across denominations, the general trend is that mainline and independent churches are better represented at the extremes of the income spectrum, whereas megachurch respondents' incomes cluster around the middle level.

85. For the category of respondents with no income, mainline churches and independent churches have slightly higher proportions in comparison with megachurches. While 11.4 per cent of megachurch respondents have no income, 20.3 per cent of Methodists, 15.9 per cent of Anglicans and 17.3 per cent of Independents are found in the same category (see Figure A3-2).