The relationship between voluntary simplicity and religiosity

Materialism, originating during the industrial revolution and peaking in the early 20th century, has fostered the rise of consumerism as a pervasive cultural norm. Consumerism, once seen as a means to attain happiness and peace, has now become a perceived necessity in its own right, supplanting its original role as a means to meet essential human needs. The urbanization associated with industrialization gave rise to a "Consumeristic Society," prioritizing consumption over production (Baudrillard, 1998). However, empirical research has revealed a growing discontent with consumerism, prompting a shift toward deeper and more meaningful relationships. One alternative gaining prominence is voluntary simplicity, first conceptualized by Richard Gregg in 1936 as "a process that involves both inner and outer conditions. It entails singleness of purpose, sincerity, and honesty within oneself, as well as a deliberate avoidance of external clutter, excessive possession of items extraneous to life's core purpose" (Gregg, 1936). Voluntary simplicity advocates for limiting material possessions and embracing elements that bring value and meaning to life. Notably, religiosity plays a central role in motivating individuals to adopt this lifestyle. This study empirically examines the intricate relationship between religiosity and voluntary simplicity. Employing a quantitative approach, the research analyzed data from 387 participants using the Voluntary Simplicity Lifestyle Scale (Özgül, 2010), the Religious Attitude Scale (Kaplan and Barak, 2021), and a Socio-Demographic Information Form. The results clearly demonstrate a significant positive correlation between religiosity and the adoption of voluntary simplicity. As religiosity levels increase, individuals are more inclined to voluntarily embrace a simpler lifestyle. Furthermore, the research underscores the influential role of religiosity in shaping an individual's propensity to choose a simplified lifestyle. Interestingly, the study also reveals a preference for voluntary simplicity among those who are religious, possess higher incomes, and are in marital relationships. Keywords: Consumerism, Minimalism, Religiosity, Spirituality, Voluntary Simplicity.