Demographics refer to the characteristics of a specific population. It is one way
of mapping the diversity of a given community. In the case of religious traditions,
demographics draw one’s attention to the composition and defining characteristics
of group membership. Demographics tend to emphasize sociological dimensions, rather
than biographical or psychological ones. They are a form of statistical analysis.
Some important considerations in the study of religious communities include age,
educational level, ethnicity, gender, income, nationality, race, sexual orientation,
as well as socio-
See also Adherent, Daoist, Family Resemblances, and Sympathizer.