Historically the catholic church was strong in ireland, and compared to other western countries Ireland had larger family sizes , more stay at home moms, and less contraceptive use. With rising incomes, especially for women, the cost of having a large family has increased a great deal. Thus family sizes are now smaller, more contraceptive is used, children are born closer together. Divorce is now common in Ireland. Given this what types of pressures do you think the Catholic church is under regarding the use of contraceptives, divorce, ect? at one time (prior to the 1930's) the Anglican church didn't allow the use of contraception. In many churches today there is a debate over the legitimacy of homosexual unions. Do you think religions have an impact on the costs and benefits people face in day to day living, or do you think the costs and benefits of daily life have a bigger impact on religion?