(ZENIT News / Washington, DC, 20.06.2024).- A significant tendency has been observed, over the last two decades, in religious tendencies in the United States: religious disaffiliation. Historically, men have shown lower levels of religious commitment compared with women. However, a new survey revealed an unexpected turn in this tendency, highlighting a notable increase in the number of young women that abandon their faith in a greater proportion than men.
Religious Disaffiliation in Generations
In previous generations, such as the Baby Boomers, 57% of those that left their religion were men, whereas 43% were women. This pattern has changed radically in Generation Z, in which 54% of young adults who move away from their formative religion are women. What is driving this change?
Feminism’s Influence and Cultural Maladjustment
Feminism and concern over gender equality play a crucial role. 61% of Generation Z women identify themselves as feminists, a figure significantly greater than in previous generations. These women are more critical in regard to the unequal treatment of women in society and they are skeptical of institutions that defend traditional social structures. According to the American Survey Center, almost two-thirds of young women believe that Churches do not treat men and women equally.
Moreover, young women have more education and greater professional aspirations than men of their same age. Religion and family life usually occupy a less priority place. Surprisingly, it’s young men who show more interest in fatherhood, according to a recent Pew survey.
“Conservative” Churches, including the Catholic Church, face a particular challenge in retaining young women. Many denominations do not allow women to hold leadership positions (they understand the priesthood and the episcopate thus in the current sensibility, which comes into conflict with the belief of many young women that they can do anything that men can do. This cultural maladjustment broadens when one considers that since 2015, there has been a rapid increase in the number of young women that identify themselves as liberals.
LGBTQ Identity and Disaffiliation
Another crucial factor is the growing LGBTQ identification among young women. Almost three out of every ten women under 30 identify themselves as something different from heterosexuals. 60% of young people that abandon their religion mention the “negative treatment of gays and lesbians” as an important reason.
For many young women, the decision to abandon their faith is not due to just one event, but to a constant accumulation of negative experiences and “dissonant teachings.” To grow up in a more diverse culture and to accept different lifestyles and identities has made many young women question and finally leave the religious teachings with which they grew up.
Impact on Religious Communities
This generational change poses a significant challenge for Religious Congregations. Women usually contribute significantly with their time and energy to community and voluntary activities in places of worship. Without their participation, many Congregations could face difficulties to serve their members and communities.
Needless to say, moreover, is that mothers play a key role in the transmission of religious values and beliefs to their children.
