1200.0.55.003 - Religious Affiliation Standard, 2012, Version 1.1  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 26/09/2012  First Issue
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Output



Standard output categories

The use of the standard classification will enhance data analysis and comparability. The hierarchical structure of the Australian Standard Classification of Religious Groups (ASCRG) (cat. no. 1266.0) enables the flexibility to output statistics at the level of the classification which best suits user requirements. Data can be presented at the broad group, narrow group, and/or base religious group level.

Wherever possible, data should be captured, classified and stored at the base level of the classification. Collecting and storing data at the most detailed level of the classification

        • allows the greatest flexibility for the output of data
        • enables more detailed and complex analysis
        • facilitates comparisons with previous data
        • assists to preserve information that may prove historically useful
        • facilitates comparisons with data from alternative sources, some of which may have been collected using different classifications.
However, constraints can affect the collection and dissemination of statistical data. For example, although confidentiality or standard errors may preclude collection or output of data at the lower levels of the classification, data can be collected and aggregated to the narrow or broad group levels.

When appropriate, particular religious groups within a narrow group could be presented separately while other religious groups within that narrow group could be aggregated. (For example, the third level religious group Taoism could be separately identified as an output category within the Narrow Group 'Chinese Religions', the remaining religious groups, in this Narrow Group could then be aggregated as an 'Other Chinese Religions' category). This concept can be applied to highlight narrow groups within a broad group.

The following is an example of standard output categories. (All seven broad groups of the ASCRG, with a small sample of the 32 narrow and 115 religious groups are reflected in this example).
      Buddhism

      Christianity
        Anglican
        Baptist
        Catholic
        Presbyterian and Reformed
          Presbyterian
          Reformed
          Free reformed

      Hinduism

      Islam

      Judaism

      Other Religions
        Australian Aboriginal Traditional Religions
        Baha'i
        Chinese Religions
          Ancestor Veneration
          Confucianism
          Taoism
          Chinese Religions, nec

      No Religion
        Agnosticism
        Atheism
        Humanism
        Rationalism

Supporting variables

Religious Affiliation requires no supporting variables.