Families and Religion : Dynamics of Transmission Across Generations

Faith is more than a personal choice; it’s a generational story. This study reveals when and why religious transmission succeeds or fails within families. How does religion—or the lack of it—pass from one generation to the next? Families and Religion studies the intergenerational shifts in faith and secularism in Germany, Italy, Hungary, Finland, and Canada, depicting when, how, and why religious beliefs change. Using a mixed-methods approach, the book looks into the role of family and historical context in shaping religious affiliation and identity, specifically focusing on adolescence as a key period of transformation. Comparing diverse social settings, the authors uncover the subtle yet powerful forces influencing whether religious traditions persist or fade across generations. A vital contribution to the study of religious change, this volume offers new insights for scholars of sociology and religious studies, and for those interested in understanding how faith may be passed down within families.