The Nexus of Greek Orthodox Faith (GOCF) and Religiosity with Immigration and Unemployment

Abstract

Greek Orthodox Christian Faith (GOCF) and religiosity are scrutinized herein as they ascribe to various psychosocial variables including age, socioeconomic status, educational level, traditional family orientation, parish sympathy, child abuse predisposition, shame, optimism, depression, alcoholism, and suicidal ideation.  The study analyzes data from two distinct research projects: (1) a 2013-14 study of immigration in Australia with Greek Australians (n=123); and (2) a 2014 study on unemployment in Cyprus with Greek Cypriots (n=120).  It is concluded that GOFC and religiosity are relative to parish sympathy, age, socioeconomic status, educational level, and identification with extended family but they are not in any way akin to child abuse intent, shame, optimism, or depression.  Respondents also seem to favor a catalyst role of the Greek Orthodox Church in championing social justice undertakings. Limitations and implications of the findings and some future research priorities are spelled out. 
 
KEYWORDS: Greek Orthodox Faith, immigration, unemployment.