age and religion

Question 1

religion and age stats

Answer 1

• belief in god is highest above 55
• younger people less involved in religious activities
• over half of younger people dont see themselves becoming religious compared to 2% of those over 65
• only 20% of under 18’s attend church
• 50% of english churches have no one under 20 attending

Question 2

explanations for age differences in religion

Answer 2

• aeging effect=Heelas - as people approach death they become more concerned about the afterlife
• generational effect=born in particular time period-certain events may change their views
• secularisation=each generation becomes half less religious than last
• disengagement=as people get older they become isolated and look for support
• socialisation=brought up with religion
• declining attraction=younger people are more open minded e.g. abortion
• pragmatic/practical reasons=more demands and perceptions from peers
• science
• decline in religious education
• spiritual marketplace=more religious diversity due to media
• secular spirituality=may find new forms of beliefs e.g. football

Question 3

evaluations of younger people being less religious

Answer 3

society is now more private so they may be religious just not want to advertise it