Education and Income by Faith Traditions

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, through ongoing polls, produces data that begs interpretation. For example, 2007 and 2010 polls charted education and income among a variety of faith traditions.

As might be expected, there are strong correlations between income and education. Hindus, Reform Jews, and Conservative Jews head the list. Among the faith traditions, they have the highest percentage of college graduates and the greatest number of households with income above $75K. Most persuasively, this poll shows how education and income correlate and surely suggests that each half of the equation is self-reinforcing.

Of course, I’m interested where Unitarians fall in these polls. One commentator designated Unitarians as an outlier (with Buddhists and Orthodox Christians), who are less affluent than their education might predict. According to this commentator, “One possible explanation is that some religions are likely to produce, or to attract, people who voluntarily choose lower paying jobs, like teaching.”

It appears, Unitarians, as a group, value education over wealth. This comes with a certain attitude about money, both scrupulous and laissez faire. While this may cause our congregations to struggle in financing their operations, there’s something noble about “choosing lower paying jobs,” particularly when those jobs benefit society and/or lead to a satisfying personal life. This may involve values and integrity that designate a strong set of Unitarian values.

In this regard, in the midst of the boom that preceded the Great Recession, in my Hinsdale Unitarian congregation, there was considerable interest in “your money or your life” and the notion of “voluntary simplicity.” Now I can say with confidence, “How Unitarian!”