Introduction: Who is Religious?

In this chapter, we aren't looking at what people believe or why religion exists (those are covered in other chapters). Instead, we are looking at the patterns and trends. This means we are asking: Who is more likely to be religious? and How is religion changing around the world?

Understanding these patterns helps sociologists see how different groups in society—based on their gender, age, or background—connect with faith and belief. It also helps us see if religion is becoming more or less important on a global scale.

Patterns of Religion by Social Group

Sociologists look at how religious belief and practice are spread across different parts of the population. There are four main categories you need to know: Gender, Age, Ethnicity, and Social Class.

1. Gender

One of the most consistent patterns in the sociology of religion is that women generally show higher levels of religious belief and participation than men.
Key Trends:

  • Women are more likely to express a personal faith in God.
  • Women are more likely to attend religious services regularly.
  • Women are more likely to join New Age Movements (NAMs).

Why? Some suggest this is due to socialisation (women being raised to be more nurturing or "guardians of family values"). Others point out that women often have a closer link to "birth and death" through traditional caring roles, which may lead to more spiritual questioning.

2. Age

In the UK and many Western societies, older people are generally more religious than younger people.
Key Trends:

  • Religious attendance is highest among those aged over 65.
  • Younger people are more likely to say they have "no religion" (often called "nones").

Don't worry if this seems tricky! Sociologists use two main ideas to explain this:
The Ageing Effect: People may turn to religion as they get older and start thinking more about the meaning of life or what happens after death.
The Generational Effect: Older generations were socialised at a time when religion was a normal part of everyday life, whereas younger people have grown up in a society where religion is less prominent.

3. Ethnicity

Minority ethnic groups often show much higher levels of religious commitment than the White British majority.
Key Trends:

  • Religion is often a core part of identity for minority groups.
  • Places of worship (like Mosques, Gurdwaras, or Black-led Pentecostal churches) often serve as community hubs.

Religion can act as a cultural defence. This means that when a group feels their culture is under threat or they are facing hostility in a new country, they use religion to protect their heritage and feel a sense of belonging.

4. Social Class

Patterns of religious belief can vary depending on a person's economic position.
Key Trends:

  • Traditional Churches (like the Church of England) have historically attracted the middle and upper classes.
  • Sects and Cults often appeal to people who feel "marginalised" (pushed to the edges of society) or who are looking for a sense of community they can't find elsewhere.
  • New Age Movements are often popular with middle-class individuals looking for personal growth or "self-spirituality."

Quick Review: Think of these four groups as the "Who's Who" of religion. If you are asked about patterns, you should discuss how your gender, age, ethnicity, or class might influence how religious you are.

Religion in a Global Context

Religion isn't just about what's happening in your local town; it’s a global phenomenon. When we look at the world, the significance of religion varies massively between different societies.

Differences in Significance

In some parts of the world (like Western Europe), religion appears to be losing its public influence. However, in other regions (like Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia), religion is a powerful force that shapes politics, law, and daily life. This shows that the significance of religion is not the same everywhere.

Resurgence vs. Decline

Sociologists debate whether religion is "going away" or just "changing."
1. Decline: In some societies, traditional religious institutions are seeing fewer members and less power. This is often linked to the idea that science and modern life have replaced religious explanations.
2. Resurgence: In many places, there is a "comeback" of religion. This can be seen in:

  • The growth of Religious Fundamentalism (a return to strict, traditional basics of a faith).
  • The rise of Pentecostalism in the developing world.
  • Religion becoming a way to resist globalisation or Western influence.

Did you know? Even in countries where people don't go to church often, they might still hold religious beliefs. This is why measuring religion is so complex—someone might believe in God but never step foot in a place of worship!

Key Takeaways for Revision

1. Patterns: Religion is not spread evenly. Women, older people, and minority ethnic groups generally show higher levels of religiosity.
2. Social Class: Different classes gravitate towards different types of institutions (e.g., Churches vs. New Age Movements).
3. Global Picture: While religion might be declining in some Western countries, it is experiencing a resurgence in many other parts of the world.
4. Cultural Defence: For minority groups, religion is often a way to maintain identity and community.

Note: For more on how we measure these trends (and the problems with those measurements), check the chapter "How are religion, belief and faith defined and measured?". For the debate on whether religion is disappearing altogether, see the chapter "Is secularisation occurring?".