Sexual identity and religious socialization

Journal/Book: Brit J Sociol. 1995; 46: 11 New Fetter Lane, London, United Kingdom EC4P 4EE. Routledge Journals. 529-536.

Abstract: This paper looks at religious socialization in specific families and their local schools and churches, in order to examine the roots of gender differentiation in beliefs, attitudes and practice. Christian beliefs and practices were not usually seen by the mothers as relevant to their everyday life, even if they were churchgoers, but were seen as desirable for young children. It was precisely the divorce of Christianity from everyday life that made it a 'natural' part of childhood and naturally outgrown. Church schools providing the aspects of Christianity mothers want for their children are popular, but more specific Christian teaching can lead to fears that children are being 'indoctrinated'. Girls had more positive attitudes towards religion and higher levels of belief than boys, just as their mothers were more interested in religion than their fathers and more likely to attend a church. The mothers' central values of individualism, autonomy and freedom, mitigate against commitment to any Christian denomination and lead them to abhor any attempt to influence their own or their childrens' religiosity above the 'normal' level. As Christianity is puerilized so it becomes the particular province of women who still take the main responsibility for the care of the young children at home, nursery and infant school and Sunday school.

Note: Article M Levitt, Univ Cent Lancashire, Ctr Profess Eth, Preston, Lancs, England

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