"Recent work in demography has shown that economic factors alone do not shape patterns of marriage, childbearing, and mortality. Focusing on the French region of Alsace during the period 1750 to 1870, Kevin McQuillan explores the influence of religious and cultural identity on social and demographic behaviour. Demographic research attests to the fact that theological differences between religious groups on matters of marriage or sexuality do not necessarily lead to differences in demographic behaviour.

McQuillan argues that religion mattered in the Alsatian case because religious affiliation became a central element of social identity. Over time this resulted in what historians have called the "confessionalization" of the population. It also meant that the far-reaching political changes that affected France and Alsace in the period 1750-1870 were seen by the population through the lens of religion."--BOOK JACKET.