Religiosity, family and human capital development in the perspective of young Poles’ research

Purpose: The article addresses the impact of religiosity on family formation and, in the longer run, on human capital accumulation. It proposes to see religiosity as indirect but important factor in the perspective of economic development. Design/methodology/approach: Most often human capital is associated with education and health care. It is less frequently attributed to the influence of the family. The paper juxtaposes literature showing how religiosity influences family and how functioning of the family impacts human capital development with presentation of original empirical data on family attitudes and plans of young generation of Poles. Findings: (1) The article presents the results of research indicating, that (1) family is important for the creation of human capital, (2) religiosity is beneficial to the stability of the family condition. (2) On the basis of empirical survey, the article offers evidence that religiosity is a key feature differentiating young people's attitudes towards marriage, family and parenthood. Research limitations/implications: It is recommended to develop further research oriented towards examining the relationship between religiosity, family and human capital outcomes. Practical implications: On the basis of analysis presented in the article it is important - in the perspective of demographic decline and its economic consequences – to study how changes in culture (incl. religiosity) – influence family and human capital development. This is useful for designing social and demographic policies. Social implications: The article broadens knowledge of the role of religiosity for human capital development, enriching the area of research on the impact of religion and family on economy. The findings improve public opinion’ understanding of the role of religious practices and institutions in strengthening the social fabric and economic performance. Originality/value: The paper offers new proposal to link research on the role of religiosity for the condition of the family to the analysis of the influence of family on human capital.