Young women leaving religion more than young men.

[IndigoChild5559]

I originally thought to put this post in the Social World section, but there was no subforum for women's issues. I also will get more traffic here and I assume there will be real debate as to why this is happening.

I've come across a whole slew of articles that discuss a significant change in Gen Z. In previous generations, women have alway been more religious than men. Go into any church, and more women than men are sitting in the pews, running the office, active in its ministries. Gen Z has turned that on its head. Young people as a whole are leaving religion and becoming "nones," but surprisingly, a significantly larger percent of women are leaving than men. This is true in all religions.

There doesn't seem to be just one reasons. Most of these women give multiple reasons. It appears to be what might be called the perfect storm. Relevant issues are: unequal treatment of men and women, LGBT exclusion, personal trauma, scandals, simply losing faith, other things in life taking priority, rigid gender roles, teachings on sexuality, too political, and hypocrisy of the leadership.

Where are they going? They appear to be becoming politically active.

The reverse trend is seen in young men. Traditionally, men have been more active in politics than women, but they are leaving politics.

Comments?

Americans are becoming less religious. None more than this group

Americans are becoming less religious. None more than this group

Studies show young women now outpacing young men in leaving the church. Experts blame frustration over gender roles and concerns over social issues.

www.usatoday.com

Young Woman are Fleeing Organized Religion. This Was Predictable.

Opinion | Young Women Are Fleeing Organized Religion. This Was Predictable.

They’re increasingly identifying as feminist at the same time that some denominations are drawing conservative lines in the sand.

www.nytimes.com

Young Women Are Leaving Church in Unprecedented Numbers

Young Women Are Leaving Church in Unprecedented Numbers - The Survey Center on American Life

The gender divide in religiosity has flipped

www.americansurveycenter.org

The Gender Gap in Religion

The Gender Gap in Religion

What does it mean that many more young women than young men are leaving American churches?

www.theamericanconservative.com

 

[danieldemol]

I personally see it as a good thing that women are leaving churches.

 

[IndigoChild5559]

I personally see it as a good thing that women are leaving churches.

Is this because you think religion is particularly hard on women, or is this because you are happy when anyone leaves religion?

 

[danieldemol]

Is this because you think religion is particularly hard on women, or is this because you are happy when anyone leaves religion?

It is because I think conservative Christianity is hard on women *and* because I'm happy when people leave conservative organised religion generally speaking.

There are more liberal interpretations I'm indifferent too, so it is only happiness as a general rule, not as a blanket rule in my view.

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

In our grandparents / great grandparents time, there was a social pressure on people in general to go to church, marry, do the catechism etc...

Now this social pressure is way less common, so women are less and less forced to get into a system that is oppressive and not respectful of them.

 

[crossfire]

I originally thought to put this post in the Social World section, but there was no subforum for women's issues. I also will get more traffic here and I assume there will be real debate as to why this is happening.

I've come across a whole slew of articles that discuss a significant change in Gen Z. In previous generations, women have alway been more religious than men. Go into any church, and more women than men are sitting in the pews, running the office, active in its ministries. Gen Z has turned that on its head. Young people as a whole are leaving religion and becoming "nones," but surprisingly, a significantly larger percent of women are leaving than men. This is true in all religions.

There doesn't seem to be just one reasons. Most of these women give multiple reasons. It appears to be what might be called the perfect storm. Relevant issues are: unequal treatment of men and women, LGBT exclusion, personal trauma, scandals, simply losing faith, other things in life taking priority, rigid gender roles, teachings on sexuality, too political, and hypocrisy of the leadership.

Where are they going? They appear to be becoming politically active.

The reverse trend is seen in young men. Traditionally, men have been more active in politics than women, but they are leaving politics.

Comments?

Americans are becoming less religious. None more than this group

Americans are becoming less religious. None more than this group

Studies show young women now outpacing young men in leaving the church. Experts blame frustration over gender roles and concerns over social issues.

www.usatoday.com

Young Woman are Fleeing Organized Religion. This Was Predictable.

Opinion | Young Women Are Fleeing Organized Religion. This Was Predictable.

They’re increasingly identifying as feminist at the same time that some denominations are drawing conservative lines in the sand.

www.nytimes.com

Young Women Are Leaving Church in Unprecedented Numbers

Young Women Are Leaving Church in Unprecedented Numbers - The Survey Center on American Life

The gender divide in religiosity has flipped

www.americansurveycenter.org

The Gender Gap in Religion

The Gender Gap in Religion

What does it mean that many more young women than young men are leaving American churches?

www.theamericanconservative.com

Indeed, it is politics in the churches driving young women away, and this is why the young women are leaving the churches to become active in (opposing) politics.

 

[George-ananda]

I'm to the point where I would find it rare to meet a young adult that's just a traditional active member of a traditional Christian religion.

 

[JustGeorge]

I'm to the point where I would find it rare to meet a young adult that's just a traditional active member of a traditional Christian religion.

They're out there, though I get the impression for many its more of a social outlet than a spiritual outlet.

 

[George-ananda]

They're out there, though I get the impression for many its more of a social outlet than a spiritual outlet.

That was what I was getting at. Not serious members.

 

[ppp]

Is this because you think religion is particularly hard on women, or is this because you are happy when anyone leaves religion?

I think @danieldemol has a good answer, but I think it is good that women are leaving churches because that is traditionally the method by which Christianity is forced to progress out of its moral turpitudes. The threat of a loss of money, influence, and social relevance is a repeatedly successful way to get the clergy to reevaluate some heinous scripture, or to deemphasize some dark doctrine.

 

[PureX]

We should probably try to keep in mind that the media these days is wildly hyperbolic. To the point that every story has to be the equivalent of the battle of the century. Or the crime of the century, or in this case, the exodus of the century. So although there may be an uptick in the number of younger women rejecting traditional religious institutions, it is very unlikely that there is anything more going on than that.

And keep in mind that the last decade or so has been marked by a kind of new 'women's movement' in terms of how they have been treated by men in positions of authority, and how they are now calling it out and demanding that it change. Culturally speaking, women are being a lot more open and supportive of each other these days where the churches may not be.

 

[Quintessence]

I mean, because of the undue meddling of certain specific Christian denominations women have been rendered second class citizens in this country and have fewer basic human rights than their mothers did. Let's not conflate that with leaving religion and overgeneralizing, but the trend is hardly surprising. It's also behind the widening partisan divide in this country. Turns out forced birth isn't popular, because... duh.

 

[1213]

I originally thought to put this post in the Social World section, but there was no subforum for women's issues. I also will get more traffic here and I assume there will be real debate as to why this is happening.

I've come across a whole slew of articles that discuss a significant change in Gen Z. In previous generations, women have alway been more religious than men. ....

Where are they going? They appear to be becoming politically active.

The reverse trend is seen in young men. Traditionally, men have been more active in politics than women, but they are leaving politics.

Comments?
...

But were they even ever really religious, or were they just participating in something without any deeper meaning or reason? I think most modern people are not really religious, even if they nominally are part of some religion.

However, it is interesting, if it is true those things are happening. Politics nowadays seem to be more like theater, where it is more important to look good in "liberal" way (liberals seem to be more like fascists nowadays, which is why I think it is wrong to call them liberals). It can be easier for women, because the "deep state" that controls the politicians, seems to favor women. Men on the other hand are despised in "liberal" society, which is why it may be that many men don't even want to go to politics. Also the politics don't serve people anymore as it should. That may be one reason to not go there. Society is nowadays more like some feudal society, where the kings are the ones who sponsor politicians and tax payers are their slaves. If someone would go against it, it would be extremely difficult.

Maybe the greatest reason behind all this is: Generally I think women are more safety oriented, meaning security is high priority for them. Men generally are not as safety concerned, they like more to have freedom to achieve something and provide. Religion is not any more as fascistic as politics is. Politics is nowadays extremely safety focused, tries to control all and in exchange of safety, people just needs to give up their rights and freedom. Religion is nowadays more reasonable, more focused on the actual teachings and maybe gives more room for self improvement. Maybe that is why religion is more alluring for men nowadays and politics for women.

 

[crossfire]

But were they even ever really religious, or were they just participating in something without any deeper meaning or reason? I think most modern people are not really religious, even if they nominally are part of some religion.

However, it is interesting, if it is true those things are happening. Politics nowadays seem to be more like theater, where it is more important to look good in "liberal" way (liberals seem to be more like fascists nowadays, which is why I think it is wrong to call them liberals). It can be easier for women, because the "deep state" that controls the politicians, seems to favor women. Men on the other hand are despised in "liberal" society, which is why it may be that many men don't even want to go to politics. Also the politics don't serve people anymore as it should. That may be one reason to not go there. Society is nowadays more like some feudal society, where the kings are the ones who sponsor politicians and tax payers are their slaves. If someone would go against it, it would be extremely difficult.

Maybe the greatest reason behind all this is: Generally I think women are more safety oriented, meaning security is high priority for them. Men generally are not as safety concerned, they like more to have freedom to achieve something and provide. Religion is not any more as fascistic as politics is. Politics is nowadays extremely safety focused, tries to control all and in exchange of safety, people just needs to give up their rights and freedom. Religion is nowadays more reasonable, more focused on the actual teachings and maybe gives more room for self improvement. Maybe that is why religion is more alluring for men nowadays and politics for women.

I would say that women are more culturally orientated. The Hellenistic Greek culture would be long gone except for some aspects being enforced through some of the (mostly Pauline) scriptures. These aspects were meant to help shield the Christian congregation from culturally-based persecution, but such threat of cultural persecution is no longer around. Women recognize that those safety controls are no longer relevant, so I guess that reinforces your safety-minded point.

 

[blü 2]

It appears to be what might be called the perfect storm. Relevant issues are: unequal treatment of men and women, LGBT exclusion, personal trauma, scandals, simply losing faith, other things in life taking priority, rigid gender roles, teachings on sexuality, too political, and hypocrisy of the leadership.

Unfortunately for Christianity, the bible ─ not least the Tanakh and Paul ─ thinks of women in Kinder, Küche, Kirche terms. Historically that's understandable, but the world changes, and will keep changing.

We didn't raise our children to think in biblical terms, and they've all done well without it. (Our daughter is the most conspicuously successful of the the three.)

And, going the other way, a god without a congregation is a dead god.

 

[IndigoChild5559]

Unfortunately for Christianity, the bible ─ not least the Tanakh and Paul ─ thinks of women in Kinder, Küche, Kirche terms.

Women are still treated like children. It is not uncommon for a man at a restaurant to call the waitress "Honey." Mansplaining is so annoying. Have you noticed how male presidential candidates are referred to by their last names (ie. Trump, Obama) but females are referred to by their first names (i.e. Kamala, Hillary) as if they are a friend or child, and not a serious candidate? Have you ever had someone presumptuously make a decision or choice for you without consulting you? It's so irritating!

In the1800s, which was really not that long ago, women literally had the legal status of a child. Women were generally required to obtain their husband's consent to make purchases, sign contracts, or conduct business. Women could not sue or be sued in their own right; any legal action had to be initiated through their husbands.They had to "obey" their husbands, who usually made all the family decisions and controlled all the financial matters, and even made personal decisions for their wives like what they should wear or ordering for them at restaurants. Men commonly "disciplined" their wives, and this was considered not only their right, but their responsibility. They had no voting rights and were excluded from most professions and public roles, reinforcing dependence.

 

[Balthazzar]

1. General disagreements in hierarchy, status, and position
2. They are fighting back and becoming that which they were denied for so long
3. Men typically like woman and political positions becoming more so available for men than woman tend to be contrary to those held by woman.

I've got my seatbelt on. I'm 53 and it's no longer my world we're working for, it's gen z and alpha's world who the millennials and x's are catering to, and much of the angst is due to our ****ups.

In other words, I'm staying out of the way.

(...)

 

[ppp]

Women are still treated like children. It is not uncommon for a man at a restaurant to call the waitress "Honey." Mansplaining is so annoying. Have you noticed how male presidential candidates are referred to by their last names (ie. Trump, Obama) but females are referred to by their first names (i.e. Kamala, Hillary) as if they are a friend or child, and not a serious candidate? Have you ever had someone presumptuously make a decision or choice for you without consulting you? It's so irritating!

In the1800s, which was really not that long ago, women literally had the legal status of a child. Women were generally required to obtain their husband's consent to make purchases, sign contracts, or conduct business. Women could not sue or be sued in their own right; any legal action had to be initiated through their husbands.They had to "obey" their husbands, who usually made all the family decisions and controlled all the financial matters, and even made personal decisions for their wives like what they should wear or ordering for them at restaurants. Men commonly "disciplined" their wives, and this was considered not only their right, but their responsibility. They had no voting rights and were excluded from most professions and public roles, reinforcing dependence.

Hell, you don't have to go back to the 1800s. Women didn't gain the right to get credit in their own names until 1974 in the US. Marital rape was not criminalized until 1976. And in 20 freaking 19, I had to pose as the partner of a 30 year old friend so that the doctor would pay attention to get her tubes tied. I hope I am amplifying more than mansplaining, but yes. Irritating.

 

[Quintessence]

And in 20 freaking 19, I had to post as the partner of a 30 year old friend so that the doctor would pay attention to get her tubes tied.

"BuT yOuR fUtUrE hUsBaNd MiGhT wAnT cHiLdReN!"

Ugh. Seriously, big props for doing this for your friend.

 

[Balthazzar]

Hell, you don't have to go back to the 1800s. Women didn't gain the right to get credit in their own names until 1974 in the US. Marital rape was not criminalized until 1976. And in 20 freaking 19, I had to post as the partner of a 30 year old friend so that the doctor would pay attention to get her tubes tied. I hope I am amplifying more than mansplaining, but yes. Irritating.

Not to become the mansplaining religious too conservative for his own good advocate here, but sometimes discretion and tact is more useful than the conquest battle march. It has been my experience that some people truly enjoy putting some types of people in their place. I don't know what this world is coming to, I don't trust it all to be certain, and although I prefer standing on the number 3 of my previous post, I can't help but to at least make mention of what we ALL already know to be true.

Is there by chance a chance for diplomacy between the genders? One inch a mile then 20 more demanded has been status quo for human interaction for as long as I remember, so it makes me wonder where this is all heading. If it's not between races, it's between sexes, and if not sexes it's between political parties, and if not political parties it's between the nations and religions. Just let me know if or when I should beef up my arms, because at the moment my strongest defense is a heart.