Assess the view that older generations are more religious than younger people in society.
OCR
A Level
2022
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Assessing the View that Older Generations are More Religious than Younger People in Society
This essay will assess the view that older generations are more religious than younger people in society. It will examine various theoretical perspectives, including postmodernism, Marxism, and feminism, alongside empirical evidence to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between age and religiosity.
AO1: Knowledge and Understanding
The assertion that older generations are more religious than younger ones is often supported by numerous studies and observations. This trend can be attributed to a range of factors:
1. Cohort Effect
Older generations grew up in a more religious, less secular world (Davie and Vincent). This has influenced their values and beliefs, making them more likely to retain religious practices and affiliations.
2. Age-Related Changes
As people age, they may become more religious due to factors like increased awareness of mortality, greater experience with bereavement, and a desire for spiritual comfort (Davie and Vincent, Coleman).
3. Religious Practice and Participation
There is a clear age bias in the profile of church members, attendance, and participation in religious ceremonies (Brierley, Crockett, Church Census). For instance, studies have shown that a significantly higher proportion of those aged 65+ identify as Anglican compared to younger age groups (BRIN, 2015).
4. Declining Religiosity in Younger Generations
Various studies indicate a decline in religious belief and practice among younger generations. This can be attributed to:
- Postmodernism: Younger generations are increasingly influenced by secularization, individualism, and alternative spiritualities (Modood, Heelas, Baker, Vernon).
- Social Change: Increasing exposure to diverse cultures and worldviews has led to a questioning of traditional religious beliefs (Modood).
- Secularization: The increasing influence of secular institutions and values has diminished the role of religion in society (Bruce, Davie, Bird).
5. Alternative Explanations
While the view of older generations being more religious may hold true for certain demographic groups and religions, it is not universally applicable:
- Migration and Religion: While some studies show a decline in religiosity among younger generations, there are also instances of increased religious practice among younger generations of immigrants (Voas and Crockett, Modood).
- Youthful Religious Movements: New religious movements often attract younger adults, offering a sense of community, belonging, and alternative ways of life (Barker).
- Religious Identity: While some studies suggest a decline in religious observance, the concept of "belief" remains meaningful for many young people, leading to a redefinition of religious identity (Lynch).
AO2: Application
The above knowledge points directly to the view that older generations are more religious than younger people in society. However, it is crucial to consider that the relationship between age and religiosity is complex and multifaceted.
AO3: Analysis and Evaluation
The view that older generations are more religious is not without its limitations and complexities:
1. Ethnocentric Bias
This view, while seemingly applicable to Christianity in the UK, may not accurately reflect the religious landscape in other contexts or with other religions. For instance, Islam has a significantly younger age profile, with increasing religiosity among younger generations (Census 2011, Mirza, Lewis, Mondal).
2. Interplay of Factors
Generalizing about the relationship between age and religiosity is misleading, as other factors like class, gender, and ethnicity also play a significant role.
3. Changing Religious Landscape
While older generations may be more likely to adhere to traditional religious practices, younger generations are increasingly embracing alternative forms of spirituality and religious expression (Woodhead, 2007) or turning to religion as a response to Islamophobia (Woodhead).
4. Nuance and Complexity
It is necessary to avoid simplistic generalizations and acknowledge the diversity of religious experiences and beliefs across generations. While some studies suggest a decline in traditional religious practice among the young, others point to a growing interest in religion among younger generations, particularly in certain contexts.
In conclusion, while there is evidence to support the view that older generations are more religious than younger people in society, this view is not universally applicable and should be approached with caution. The relationship between age and religiosity is complex and influenced by a range of factors, including social change, secularization, cultural context, and personal experiences. Further research and analysis are required to provide a more nuanced understanding of this dynamic and evolving relationship.
Assessing the View: Are Older Generations More Religious Than Younger People?
The assertion that older generations are more religious than their younger counterparts has been a subject of ongoing sociological debate. This essay will delve into the multifaceted factors contributing to this perceived trend, analyzing various theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence to assess the validity of this claim.
The Age-Religion Relationship: Evidence and Explanations
A wealth of data seems to support the notion of a positive correlation between age and religiosity. Studies consistently reveal higher levels of religious affiliation, attendance, and belief among older demographics. For instance, BRIN (2015) found a stark contrast in Anglican identification, with only 3% of 18-24 year olds identifying as such compared to over a third of those aged 65+. Similarly, a 2012 NORC survey highlighted that 43% of those aged 68 and above expressed certainty in God's existence, compared to a mere 23% of those aged 27 and below.
Several explanations have been proffered for this pattern. Davie and Vincent posit that aging brings increased conservatism and a heightened awareness of mortality, prompting individuals to seek solace and meaning in religion. Additionally, they highlight the "cohort effect," arguing that older generations, having been socialized in more religious eras, retain higher levels of belief. This contrasts with younger cohorts exposed to increasing secularization and individualism, as noted by postmodern theorists like Modood.
Challenging the Generalization: Complexity and Diversity
However, it's crucial to acknowledge the inherent complexities within this discourse. The age-religion relationship cannot be examined in isolation, divorced from the intersections of class, gender, ethnicity, and individual experiences. To assume a universal increase in religiosity with age risks ethnocentricity, overlooking the diverse religious landscapes within societies.
For instance, while Christianity might be declining among younger generations in the UK, the same cannot be said for Islam. Census data (2011) reveals a burgeoning Muslim population across all age groups, with a significant proportion under 25. This challenges the generalization of the initial claim, highlighting the importance of considering religious diversity.
The Case of Islam: Youthful Religiosity and Identity
Research on British Muslims by Mirza, Lewis, and Mondal points to a growing religiosity among young Muslims, albeit with a more politicized undertone. Woodhead (2007) echoes this, observing how young Muslim women utilize the hijab not just as a religious symbol but also as an assertion of identity within a British context. This suggests that for some religious groups, youth are not abandoning faith but rather reinterpreting and expressing it in ways relevant to their lived realities.
Furthermore, Modood's research highlights that young Muslims often possess a more profound understanding of their faith than their parents, driven by a desire to counter Islamophobia and reclaim their religious identity. This active engagement with faith contradicts the prevalent narrative of religious decline among the youth.
Beyond Traditional Religion: Spirituality and New Expressions
It's also worth considering that traditional religious frameworks might not be the sole indicators of belief. Heelas, Baker, and Vernon argue that younger generations are increasingly drawn to alternative spiritualities, seeking meaning and purpose outside established religious institutions. This suggests a shift in the nature of belief rather than its complete disappearance.
Even within traditional religions, expressions of faith are evolving. Lynch's study on young people across various nationalities found that "belief" remains significant, albeit manifested in ways distinct from previous generations. This underscores the need to look beyond conventional metrics of religiosity and acknowledge the fluidity of belief in the 21st century.
Conclusion: A Nuanced Perspective
In conclusion, while empirical evidence seemingly supports the claim of increased religiosity with age, a simplistic analysis risks overlooking the nuanced interplay of social factors. The religious landscape is far from homogenous, with significant variations across religious groups, cultures, and individual experiences. While certain trends might point to declining traditional religiousness among some younger generations, this doesn't necessarily equate to a complete abandonment of faith. The expression of belief is evolving, influenced by diverse social forces and finding new avenues beyond established religious structures. Therefore, while acknowledging the general trend, any conclusive statement about religiosity across generations requires a nuanced approach that recognizes the intricate tapestry of belief and its evolving nature in contemporary society.
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AO1: Knowledge and Understanding
Candidates’ knowledge and understanding should relate specifically to the view that older generations are more religious than younger people in society.
Candidates may discuss different theoretical explanations including:
- Postmodern views
- Marxism
- Feminism
There will be some knowledge of evidence that supports the view - religion, belief and faith are declining in the younger generations.
Responses that focus on studies/evidence in place of, or in addition to theoretical responses should be credited.
Candidates may consider:
- Religion often associated with more traditional ideas, as people age, may become more religious; Davie and Vincent
- Age bias in age profile of church members, attendance, participation in religious ceremonies –Brierley, Crockett, Church Census
- 3% of 18-24 year olds and 4% of 25-34 year olds identify as Anglican, compared to more than a third of those aged 65+; BRIN, 2015
- The older you are the more likely you are to be a Christian; Woodhead, 2016
- International survey - 43% of those aged 68 and older are certain God exists, compared with 23% of those aged 27 and younger; NORC, 2012
- NORC study suggests people change their beliefs over time 2012, Coleman, 2011, Idler, 2001
- People become more conservative as they age - Davie and Vincent
- Belief is highest among older adults – as they become aware of own mortality and experience of more bereavement - religion beneficial; Davie and Vincent, Coleman
- Cohort effect: older generations grew up in more religious, less secular world; Davie and Vincent
- Marxism: media replaced religion to become the new opium of the people for the young Miliband
- Relative deprivation theorists and feminists - middle aged women may seek comfort in a belief system to compensate for gender exploitation; Glock and Stark
- Alternative view - people do not get more religious as; Voas and Crockett
- Rates of intergenerational decline between immigrant parents and British-born children almost as high as for white population; Voas and Crockett
- Postmodern view - social change and increasing influence of secularisation and individualism on the young, Modood
- Younger members of minority ethnic groups less likely to agree religion important in their lives; Modood
- Migration and religion; Bruce, Davie, Bird
- Declining religiosity among some younger Asian men Modood
- Traditional religion is being superseded by alternative spiritualties in younger generations; Heelas, Baker, Vernon.
- Lower religious observance among younger adults world-wide; Pew Research Center, 2018
- Census 2011 - number of people with ‘no religion’ has increased particularly for those aged 20-24
- YouGov poll of 18-24 year olds found - place of religion in young people’s lives was ‘smaller than ever’; YouGov, 2013
- PEW study of 100 countries, only - the former Soviet republic of Georgia and the West African country of Ghana – have younger adults who are, on average, more religious than their elders; Pew Research Center, 2018
- Other reasonable response.
AO2: Application
The selected knowledge should be directly specific to the question – view that older generations are more religious than younger people in society
AO3: Analysis and evaluation
Candidates will analyse and evaluate view that older generations are more religious than younger people in society They may consider:
- Complexity of patterns- difficult to generalise, interplay between age, class, gender and ethnicity
- Argument that older people are more religious is ethnocentric, - in the UK, it largely applies to Christianity, yet there is an increase in Muslims in all age groups; Census, 2011
- Mirza et al British born Muslims - growing religiosity amongst the younger generation of Muslims, their interest was more politicised; Mirza, Lewis, Mondal.
- Young Muslim women wear the hijab as part of their religious identity and also as a creative expression to commitment to British national identity; Woodhead
- Religion and identity amongst younger generations: ‘Muslim chic’; Woodhead, 2007
- Second/third generation Muslims may turn to religion as a result of Islamophobia
- In the 2011 Census, 88% of Muslims were under 50, nearly half were under 25. While Christianity has a rapidly aging population, other religions, and notably Islam, have a much younger age profile.
- Young Muslims in UK - greater knowledge of their religion than their parents; Modood.
- Religious sects often appeal to young adults, - can offer companionship and community, a sense of belonging; Barker
- Young people from Britain, Sweden, Finland, Poland and USA found ‘the concept of ‘belief’ remains meaningful to many young people; Lynch
- Other reasonable response.