What is secularization theory in simple terms?

The idea that as societies modernize, religion loses influence and belief weakens.

Has the theory been disproved?

It fits Europe well but faced challenges from the US and developing countries; revised versions stress conditions such as security.

Secularization Theory

👥 Sociology By CampusDown Wiki Editorial Team Last updated October 27, 2026

Secularization theory holds that modernization, through industrialization, urbanization and rationalization, reduces religion's influence over institutions such as politics, education and law, and weakens individual belief and practice. Rooted in Max Weber's idea of disenchantment, it became the dominant view in mid-twentieth-century sociology of religion.

Contents

1. The classic thesis
2. Critique and desecularization
3. New evidence
4. FAQ
5. References

The classic thesis

Wilson (1966) argued that rationalization and functional differentiation strip religion of its integrating role, in line with modernization theory. Casanova (1994) separated differentiation, decline and privatization, arguing only differentiation is general.

Critique and desecularization

Stark (1999) declared the theory dead, citing vibrant belief in modern societies such as the United States; religious-market theory credits competition. Berger (1999) also revised his earlier view.

New evidence

Norris and Inglehart (2004) linked existential security to lower religiosity, connecting to post-materialism. Voas and Chaves (2016) found generational decline in the US, and Gorski and Altınordu (2008) reviewed the post-secular debate.

FAQ

What is secularization theory in simple terms?: The idea that as societies modernize, religion loses influence and belief weakens.
Has the theory been disproved?: It fits Europe well but faced challenges from the US and developing countries; revised versions stress conditions such as security.

Sources reviewed: 2026-10-26

References

Wilson, B. R. (1966). Religion in secular society: A sociological comment. C. A. Watts. A classic statement of the secularization thesis.
Stark, R. (1999). Secularization, R.I.P. Sociology of Religion, 60(3), 249–273. A sharp critique of the thesis.
Casanova, J. (1994). Public religions in the modern world. University of Chicago Press. Splits secularization into three distinct claims.
Berger, P. L. (Ed.). (1999). The desecularization of the world: Resurgent religion and world politics. Eerdmans. A former proponent revises his view.
Norris, P., & Inglehart, R. (2004). Sacred and secular: Religion and politics worldwide. Cambridge University Press. Cross-national evidence linking security to secularity.
Gorski, P. S., & Altınordu, A. (2008). After secularization? Annual Review of Sociology, 34, 55–85. A comprehensive review of the debate.
Voas, D., & Chaves, M. (2016). Is the United States a counterexample to the secularization thesis? American Journal of Sociology, 121(5), 1517–1556. Shows the US is secularizing too.

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This article was last updated on October 27, 2026. It is based on widely recognized original works and textbooks; when citing it in a paper, please check the original sources listed in the references.