secularization hypothesis

The secularization hypothesis suggests that as societies progress and develop—especially through modernization, education, and increased scientific understanding—the influence of religion tends to diminish. This means that people may become less religious as they embrace rationality and secular values. The idea is that in advanced, industrialized societies, traditional religious beliefs and practices lose their central role in everyday life. While some argue that religion still plays a significant role, the hypothesis posits a general trend toward decreased religious authority and increased secularism in social, political, and personal spheres over time.