Purpose. The purpose of this article is to reveal the mechanism of religious norms influence on the vector of mass groups political activity in the context of modern society transformation. Methodology and Approach. The empirical material of the work was obtained in the secondary analysis of the European Social Research data (waves 2012, 2014, 2016). The analysis was carried out using frequency distribution methods and one-way analysis of variance. Results. The direct impact of religious norms on the political participation of citizens was not found. Religiosity in a number of countries is manifested in the identification of citizens by “binding” to the religious community of a given territory. In the second group of states, the actualization of religious issues is caused by the appeal to the activities of the respective parties, which creates opportunities for formalizing political relations. In states where the transformation of the political system continues, religious organizations can acquire independent political status. Theoretical and Practical implications. The data obtained can be used by government agencies in the context of the growing importance of the religious security of society.

political participation, religious factor, religious denomination, arena of political participation, Western Europe

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