Understanding the Decrease of Christian Population in Kerala: A Comprehensive Analysis

While the decreasing Hindu population in Kerala is a matter of discussion, another demographic in the state is experiencing a similar trend. The Christian population is also in decline. This article explores the reasons behind this significant decrease in the Christian population and highlights the role of factors such as birth rates, migration, and social trends.

Factors Contributing to the Decline in the Christian Population

The reduction in the Christian population in Kerala can be attributed to various interlinked factors, including changes in birth rates, migration, and the increasing number of unmarried men within the community. To understand these factors, we examine the data from the 2015 Vital Statistics Report and other recent reports.

Demographic Analysis through Vital Statistics

According to the 2015 Vital Statistics Report, Kerala recorded a total of 516,013 live births. The distribution of these births among religious communities shows a clear pattern:

42.87% belonged to Hindus 41.45% to Muslims 15.42% to Christians

This data reveals a significant drop in the Christian birth rate (15.42%) compared to 17% in 2006. In contrast, the birth rate for Muslims showed an increase from 35% in 2006 to 41.45% in 2015, and for Hindus, it dropped from 46% to 42.87% over the same period. These trends suggest that the decline in the Christian population is not just a recent phenomenon but has been steadily affecting the community.

Impact of Birth Order on Population Trends

The analysis also considers the birth order of children in different religious communities. For Hindus, the birth rate is consistently higher than that of Muslims in both first and second deliveries:

Hindu first delivery birth rate: 22.31 Muslim first delivery birth rate: 15.36 Hindu second delivery birth rate: 17.63 Muslim second delivery birth rate: 14.34

For Muslims, there is an upward trend in birth rates for higher order deliveries (third, fourth, and fifth), whereas for Christians, the birth rates never increased robustly. This pattern suggests that while other religious communities are experiencing population growth, the Christian community is facing challenges in sustaining its numbers.

Geographical Perspectives on Population Growth

Interestingly, the only districts in Kerala showing negative population growth rates due to significant Christian population are Pathanamthitta (3%) and Idukki (1.8%). This data supports the argument that the decrease in the Christian population is not merely an issue of migration but also a result of local demographic trends.

It is important to note that atheist population remains insignificant, as evidenced by census reports.

Migration and Unmarried Men

Migration to other countries and states for job opportunities is another significant factor contributing to the decline in the Christian population. For example, a recent report highlights that one lakh Christian grooms over the age of 30 are currently unable to find partners. This issue is further exacerbated by the increasing trend of Christian women marrying outside the community.

Amal Francis, a commentator, has pointed out that a high number of unmarried men is also a critical issue. This problem is evident in the current demographic trends, where the number of unmarried men in the Christian community has grown significantly.

Conclusion

The decline in the Christian population in Kerala is a complex issue that requires understanding from multiple angles. While some factors, such as migration and birth rates, have historically contributed to the trend, social trends such as the increasing number of unmarried men must also be considered. Addressing these issues will be crucial in stabilizing the Christian population in the region.

For more insights and data, refer to the Kerala Statistics Bureau or the Census of India Reports.